DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVED
ONLINE & SELF-PACED
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
TUTOR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT
PRACTICAL TOOLS AND TEMPLATES TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION
DEVELOPED BY SENIOR SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST WITH 25+ YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN AAC
About the course
This course is designed to support primary school teachers to feel more confident in understanding communication differences and using practical AAC strategies in everyday classroom routines. You will learn how to reduce barriers to communication, support participation, and create inclusive classroom environments where every child can be understood. This is a practical course focused on strategies you can use straight away in your classroom. It is grounded in extensive experience supporting children with communication differences and working alongside teachers to develop approaches that are both effective and realistic within everyday classroom life. Throughout the course, you’ll be supported to reflect on your current practice and identify clear, achievable ways to strengthen communication access in your classroom.
This course is for you if…
• you’re supporting pupils who don’t communicate in typical ways • you feel unsure how to use AAC or visual supports effectively • you’re managing behaviour but know there’s more going on underneath • you want to reduce pressure, prompting and constant questioning • you need practical strategies that actually fit your classroom • you want to feel confident, not overwhelmed
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will: • understand communication differences in autism and complex communication needs • use practical AAC strategies in everyday classroom routines • reduce barriers to communication and participation • adjust your interaction style and use modelling to better support communication • select and use appropriate AAC systems and vocabulary • model language effectively using a range of supports • recognise communicative intent and support development over time • create a more inclusive and communication-accessible classroom • have a clear, realistic plan you can implement straight away • feel confident supporting pupils with complex communication needs
A look inside the course
This course is designed to give you deep understanding + practical application, so you can make meaningful changes in your classroom.
What's included & how it works
• Self-paced online course you can complete in your own time • 5 structured modules with practical, classroom-based content • Strategies and approaches you can use immediately • Practical resources and supports to use in your classroom • Guided reflection to support real change in your classroom • EPV approved summer course • Certificate of completion
About Susan Crawford
I am a Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years’ experience supporting children with a wide range of communication needs across home, school and therapy settings. I have worked across mainstream and special school settings, supporting children with diverse communication profiles. My work has included supporting children with limited or no spoken language, including those who use AAC, as well as working closely with the adults around them in everyday environments. I am particularly passionate about AAC and supporting children to communicate in ways that work for them. My approach is practical and grounded in real life, focusing on small, achievable strategies that fit into daily routines. I believe communication grows best when it is supported throughout the day, not just in therapy sessions. This course is designed to share that experience and support teachers to feel more confident, clear and equipped when supporting communication in their classrooms. My aim is to help create classroom environments where all pupils can communicate, participate and be understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to get in touch. You can reach me at [email protected] I’m always happy to answer any questions and help you decide if the course is the right fit for you.
Do I need prior experience with AAC?
No, you do not need any prior experience with AAC. This course is designed for beginners as well as those who would like to build on their existing knowledge. It focuses on simple, practical strategies that can be used in everyday situations, so you can feel more confident supporting communication in Irish classrooms.
Will this work in a busy classroom?
Yes. All strategies are designed to be practical, realistic and easy to integrate into everyday routines.
Is this course self-paced?
Yes, this is a self-paced course. You can complete it in your own time within the dates you have selected. All content is pre-recorded, so you can work through the lessons at a pace that suits you and revisit them whenever you need.
How much time is involved in this course?
This course requires a minimum of 20 hours of engagement. This includes 10 hours working through the course materials and 10 hours of additional learning completed outside the platform. Offline learning may include activities such as reading, reviewing resources, or applying strategies in practice. You are required to keep a record of any time spent on these offline activities so it can be logged separately.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, a certificate of completion is provided once you have successfully completed the course. To receive your certificate, you will need to complete all five modules, including the required assignments for each module, contribute a minimum of two substantive posts in the discussion forums, and engage with the additional learning activities. You will also be asked to complete a reflective learning log as part of the course.
Is the course EPV approved?
Yes, this course is approved by the Department of Education and is equivalent to three EPV days. Once you have successfully completed all course requirements, you will receive an EPV certificate from the course provider.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please note that all bookings are non-refundable. Once you have enrolled, your place on the course is secured and cannot be cancelled or transferred. Refunds are not available if you decide not to begin the course, are unable to complete it, or do not meet the course requirements.
Ready to feel confident supporting communication?
Join now and start making meaningful changes in your classroom.
€99,00