TTS Talking Early Years Episode 15 | Using technology to support communication with Emma Jordan
May 8, 2025
Emma Jordan, a speech and language therapist and joint service lead for Worcestershire's Children's Service, shares her expertise on technology's role in enhancing children's communication. She discusses the power of visual learning and sequencing during the transition from early years to primary school. Emma delves into effective strategies for using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools to support children with special educational needs and highlights the importance of creating distraction-free environments to foster language development.
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Episode notes
Broad Scope of AAC
- AAC is not just high-tech; it includes simple visual supports like symbols and signs to aid communication.
- Many practitioners use low-tech AAC naturally by incorporating visuals to support language development.
Simplify Visual Supports
- Simplify environments to avoid overwhelming children with too many visuals or stimuli.
- Use clear, calm presentation of visuals and language to help children focus on key information.
Child-Led Visual Timetable Use
- A school uses child monitors to explain the visual timetable daily, helping children understand and predict the sequence of events.
- This practice teaches many language concepts like sequence, time, and social participation skills.
