The support we offer here at Amica S,L & CC is pretty specialised. However, that doesn't mean that it's not broad. One day I can be supporting someone with complex needs with eye gaze technology (more to come on that soon!) and the next working on high functioning language and social, emotional and behavioural needs! Both AAC (alternative and augmentative communication) and social skills have been an area of specialism for me for nearly 10 years but the importance of Speech and Language T...

So it's that time of year again... when Shropshire Makaton Tutors put on an accessible event for people with communication and learning disabilities. We've spent the last few weeks planning and pulling in favours from friends and colleagues to bring you........ (drum roll please) #comfest 2017!!!! We're really excited about ramping things up a little, the last few years have been more of a summer fete feel whereas this year it has much more of a festival feel. We've got bands, dance acts,...

So last weekend saw me travelling firstly to Birmingham for a brilliant Course Beetle Masterclass in Autism (check out other Masterclasses, workshops and courses on their website). This was led by Dr Dougal Hare who has years of experience in the field of Autism. It was really thought provoking and actually made me change some of my thinking about what we 'know' about Autism. Lots of theory but also some practical ideas and confirmation that supporting social skills is one of the most important ...

Enabling Environments for Communication MAY Last month saw the first of these courses running at Yarnfield Park in Stone. The course covers the basics of communication and how to support those with communication needs by adapting the environment and using technology. Yarnfield Park is a great setting too, ideally placed in the Midlands - what could be better? Learn lots about enabling communication and have some lunch too!

Have you watched the new BBC drama, The A Word? It certainly has got people talking about Autism and surely raising awareness can only be a good thing. I've watched it religiously and it's definitely a grower for me. The first couple of weeks just annoyed me - don't get me started on the Speech and Language Therapist who was just downright rude! Other SLT colleagues felt the same and there have been moans about it far & wide on social media especially as there was no mention of NHS support. ...

Are you wanting to learn more about supporting people with communication needs? Maybe you want to learn about the use of Makaton with adults or children? I will be running a couple of Makaton for Professionals Foundation Workshops early next year. The first is in Shrewsbury and the second in Stone, Staffordshire. I'll be working in association with Course Beetle, take a look at the website to see what else they have to offer for parents, carers, teachers, nurses, speech and language thera...

Back by popular demand! Lots of people have been asking about Makaton training since we finished the last one so I am looking to put on another Beginners' Workshop either in March or April and then hopefully a Follow Up Workshop in the summer. Evenings seem to suit the most people so the courses are likely to be held over 4 weeks, 6.30-9 pm. Please contact Ami Coleman either by email ([email protected]) or by leaving a comment on our contact page if you are interested or want to ask ...

Last night was the last of our Makaton Beginners' Workshop sessions in Shrewsbury. We have had lots of giggles, shared lots of stories and tips and now I'm feeling really quite sad that Thursday evenings won't involved signs, symbols, and biscuits! We had some amazing and really quite inspiring folk on the course - I blimming love my job! We will definitely be putting on more in the near future so if you are a parent or carer and want to learn more about Makaton please do get in touch. Watch ...

Such sad, sad news that Phil Hughes, the cricketer, has died following an accident playing the sport he loved, something he did, I imagine, nearly every day. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/30219440 This devastating news really got me thinking about head injuries. As many readers of this blog will know, my former partner and amazing dad to my children had a severe brain injury nearly 16 years ago. He was also doing something he loved (heaven only knows why he loved it so?!), scaffolding....

We will be running a Makaton Beginner's Workshop in January (and one week into February!) on Thursday evenings. Please see details below. The course is being run at the lovely, serene Trinity Centre in Meole Village in Shrewsbury. If you fancy learning Makaton to help support someone you know, for work or just to learn a new skill, book in with Ami Coleman (contact details shown below). Trainer(s) Ami Coleman, Makaton regional tutor Venue The Trinity Centre, Church Road,...