Communication at Horton Lodge School

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.

Here at Horton Lodge we believe in a total communication approach, this means that we recognise and respond to all communicative attempts in whatever form. These may include body language, facial expression, gestures and tone of voice as well as more formal modes of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

What is AAC?

AAC is short for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC are communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that support a person who has difficulties communicating using speech.

Augmentative Communication is when something is added to enhance speech , such as sign language, Makaton, a PODD book, pictures or a letter board. This can make a person’s message clearer to the listener.

Alternative Communication is when a person is not able to speak or when speech is not understood by others. In this case, a different way to communicate is needed.

Makaton

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of  language and expression.

With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign. 

PODD

PODD is short for Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display. PODD is a way of organising whole word and symbol vocabulary in a communication book or speech generating device to provide immersion and modelling for learning.

Pragmatic – the ways we use language socially.

Organisation – the words and symbols are arrange in a systematic way.

Dynamic Display – refers to changing pages.

PODD books support communication between people with complex communication needs and their communication partners.