Study Guide

Objective

Students learn to recognise situations in which communication aids are required to facilitate communication with clients, for example developmental delays, problems in ability to function in the area of communication and problems caused by poor language skills. Students become familiar with common methods to replace speech (ACC), for example sign language, communication with help of writing, objects and gestures. In their work with various groups of clients, they learn to recognize common communication aids. Students will recognise needs to develop communication aids and promote the development of alternative forms of communication through multiprofessional collaboration.

Content

- common reasons for communication problems
- introduction to sign language
- picture-based communication aids
- use of objects in communication
- writing as a support to communication
- communication programs
- counselling on communication aids

Materials

- Huuhtanen,K. (toim.) Puhetta tukevat ja korvaavat kommunikointimenetelmät Suomessa. 2012. Kehitysvammaliitto. Solver palvelut Oy. Kouvola.
- Hämäläinen , P. & Haapala,M. Sosiaalinen kommunikaatio - taitojen kartoittaminen ja kuntoutus, ss. 181-244. Teoksessa Timonen, T. & Hämäläinen Pirita (toim.) Autismin kirjon kuntoutusmenetelmät. 2019. PS-Kustannus.
- Pihlaja, P. & Viitala R. (toim.) Varhaiserityiskasvatus. 2018. ss. 183-221, ss. 287-363. PS-Kustannus.
- Trygg B.H., Graafinen kommunikointi. Esineet, kuvat ja symbolit puhetta tukevassa ja korvaavassa kommunikoinnissa. 2010. Kehitysvammaliitto. Solver palvelut Oy. Kouvola.
- Papunetin sivusto, http://papunet.net/
- The other material is announced at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

lessons, independent studies, essay

Employer connections

Course consists: expert visitors and field visist. The course does not include practical training.

Student workload

80 hours
- 28 hours in the classroom
- 52 hours of independent study

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students know the most common reasons of communication difficulties. They can recognize communication aids, which are used with different client groups. They can use communication aids under guidance with different client groups. Students can apply their knowledge in practice under guidance.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students have knowledge of the most common reasons of communication difficulties anf they can use some communication aids with clients, who have communication difficulties. Students are able to observe client's needs when using different communication aids and they can act in professional way. Students can apply their knowledge in practice.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students possess multiple knowledge about use of most general communication aids in communication with different client groups.
They are able to evaluate the application of different communication aids in social work with different client groups. They have capacity to recognize clients' needs for development of communication aids and they can proceed development of alternative communication methods using multiprofessional co-operation. Students can apply their knowledge in practice.

Qualifications

no prerequisities