Literacy Intensive Course 2024

Literacy is a fundamental skill in our society. We use it for work, for leisure and increasingly we use it socially. All students have the right to good literacy instruction - and all students can develop their skills in this area once they are provided with comprehensive instruction.

This 5 day workshop will discuss the process of implementing comprehensive literacy instruction, with an emphasis on making it accessible for students with complex communication needs and a range of other abilities and disabilities. The philosophy, fundamentals and principles of the approach will be covered - using information, data, video and examples collected across multiple classrooms in both special education and inclusive settings.

The workshop will begin with a focus on students who are emergent in their literacy skills. That is, those students who are not yet reading and writing conventionally but who need to develop their language skills as well as understandings in key areas such as print concepts, alphabet knowledge, and phonological awareness. We will discuss the interrelated nature of literacy and language and the importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication for students with complex communication needs. The course will then progress to a focus on conventional students - and the differentiated comprehensive literacy program needed to help those students to read and write increasingly complex texts. Assessment for students at all levels of literacy development will also be covered.

Please note: due to the staggered nature of 2024 school holidays across Australia, we have had to select a week where NSW schools are on holiday but other states may be in session. We apologise for the difficulties this may cause but this is beyond our control.

The course is presented by Jane Farrall and Helen Tainsh.

Jane Farrall is a speech pathologist and special educator passionate about literacy, AAC and assistive technology. After 30 years in the disability and assistive technology field, she has lots of practical experience working with people with a range of abilities. Jane has worked as both a therapist and literacy teacher. She has also worked as an assistive technology specialist and is currently working as an independent consultant, running workshops and consulting with schools around Australia. Her consultancy works focuses on implementing AAC and comprehensive literacy for all students.

As well as presenting workshops in Australia and internationally, Jane shares resources on her blog, her two websites and through online training – and she also has extensive experience running camps, workshops, and conferences on AAC and literacy in AAC. You can read more about Jane at www.janefarrall.com

Helen Tainsh is a Speech Pathologist with 30 years of experience of working with students who have complex communication needs. She presents regularly on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Comprehensive Literacy Instruction in workshops and at conferences.

She currently works at the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne, where she mentors therapists. Helen also has a private practice. In her private practice Helen supports children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities, who use augmentative and alternative communication. She supports access to the curriculum within their mainstream school. Helen consults regularly in a number of Special Schools, supporting implementation of AAC and comprehensive literacy instruction. She has a strong interest in AAC and literacy and has been instrumental in using Comprehensive Literacy Instruction with many students and special schools to improve their literacy skills. Helen has completed both the Introductory and Advanced Intensive Seminars on Literacy in AAC.

Helen has completed PROMPT introductory and advanced training and. She is a certified presenter in Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (P.O.D.D.) Communication Books. She also has extensive experience in the programming and use of speech generating devices.