This is a General Key Word Signing Course, held ONLINE in the evenings from 630pm to 8:00pm AEST via the platform Zoom, for anyone wanting to learn to sign with family, friends or clients, or just for general interest.

Week 1 of LEVEL 10: Thursday 27th January 2022 - 630pm -8:00pm AEST

Week 2 of LEVEL 10: Thursday 3rd February 2022 - 630pm - 8:00pm AEST

Prerequisite: Level 1 to 8 KWS with All Areas Speech Pathology,

or:

a knowledge of the signing alphabet and numbers and at least some basic vocabulary of key word signs and a willingness to join in at level 10. (Levels 1 - 9 booklets can be purchased at the Level 10 class for anyone wanting to go back and learn/refresh).

The course is suited to:

Primary School Teachers

• Disability Workers

• Allied Health Professionals

• Parents / Family Members / Friends of people who use key word signing

• Anyone with a general interest to learn to sign with people of all ages and abilities

• People with some degree of hearing loss who wish to learn how to sign

• Early childhood Educators and people wanting to learn baby sign are advised that there are specific key word signing courses for preschool aged children and babies, however, this course is still suitable and may be attended if preferred

All Areas Speech Pathology offer Key Word Signing (Auslan signs) from Level 1-10. Our Level 10 course is ideal for participants who have completed levels 1 to 9 or who have prior key word sign experience and wish to refresh their skills.

Key word signing can be used to encourage speech and language development, to communicate with friends / family and enhance job skills/potential employment opportunities. 

Key word signing consists of signing important words, at the same time as using slow, simplified speech. The spoken words, the ‘signed’ words and facial expression are all important, as they all convey meaning. In Australia, spoken words are combined with Auslan signs.

Key word signing is ideal for anyone learning language, such as babies, toddlers and children with a communication delay. Key word signing is also suitable for people wanting to learn sign language at a basic level. Some people have heard the term ‘Makaton’ signing. Signing using the Makaton vocabulary (often used in the disability field) follows the principles of key word signing. (NB: Makaton in Australia has now changed its name to “Key Word Sign Australia”).

KEY WORD SIGNING AT ALL AREAS SPEECH PATHOLOGY - LEVEL 10 INTERMEDIATE

• Small friendly interactive classes

• Suitable for teenagers and adults (children aged 7 - 14 may attend with a paying adult)

• Review of verbs and adjectives

• New verbs and adjectives

• Increase confidence to communicate through sign with other people

• Opposites activity

The Level 10 course runs for three hours. The Intermediate level course is taught over 2 x 1.5 hour classes. Certificates of attendance are provided at the end of each level (or after completion of 1 - 9). 

Cost includes an emailed colour booklet containing photos of the signs taught.