Queensland Digital Inclusion Festival — Celebrating inclusive communication & digital access for all

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Course — Accessible Communication Foundations

This microcredential focuses on practical, evidence-informed communication strategies for inclusion: designing AAC-friendly interactions, producing plain-language and symbol-supported resources, and verifying communication access in real-world sessions.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain core AAC approaches and identify simple tools suitable for classroom and community settings.
  • Create Easy Read and symbol-supported resources for short activities and public sessions.
  • Design a short communication plan (scripts, prompts, and roles) for a 30–60 minute session.
  • Apply verification checks to demonstrate participation and communication access.

Who this is for

Educators, library staff, community facilitators, allied health assistants and program leads who need practical, low-barrier communication skills to increase participation across diverse learners.

Learning hours & prerequisites

Estimated commitment: 8–12 hours (one workshop of 3–4 hours plus guided practice and a short assessed task). No formal prerequisites — recommended that participants have a role supporting learners or community programs.

Assessment

Assessment is a brief implementation task: submit a short communication plan (template provided) plus examples of Easy Read / symbol materials and a short reflection (500 words max). Assessors give practical feedback and award a verified microcredential on demonstration.

Included resources

  • Communication plan & session templates
  • Easy Read and symbol asset packs
  • Auslan summary scripts & video guidance
  • Verification checklist & short rubrics for assessors

Syllabus / Modules

Module 1 — Foundations of AAC

Principles of AAC, low-tech & high-tech options, and pragmatic decision-making for everyday settings.

Module 2 — Plain language & Easy Read

Easy Read structure, chunking, headings, and symbol selection for clarity and accessibility.

Module 3 — Symbols & visual supports

Choosing symbols, sequencing supports, and integrating visuals into short activities.

Module 4 — Session scripts & roles

Designing prompts, scripting facilitator language and defining roles for inclusive delivery.

Module 5 — Verification & evidence

Simple measures to verify participation, evidence templates and short reflection methods for assessment.

Module 6 — Implementation task (assessment)

Produce a short communication plan, submit Easy Read/sample resources and a brief evidence note for assessment.

Delivery & support

Delivered as a short facilitated workshop (3–4 hours) plus guided practice and template work. Delivery options: partner cohort, tailored in-house workshop or blended online cohort. We include assessment support, templates and feedback from experienced assessors.

For partners we offer bespoke follow-up coaching (short blocks) to help embed communication plans into practice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior AAC experience?
No — the microcredential is designed for those new to AAC and plain-language approaches. It is practical and hands-on.
What format are Easy Read and Auslan materials?
We provide Easy Read PDF templates, symbol packs (PNG/SVG) and short Auslan summary scripts; where required we supply an Auslan video summary of the workshop content.
How is assessment moderated?
Assessments are reviewed by experienced assessors using a short rubric. Feedback is practical and focused on immediate improvements. Successful participants receive a verified microcredential badge.

Ready to build accessible communication skills?

Register interest to receive the full syllabus, dates and a template implementation plan tailored to your context.

If you need the syllabus or partner pack in Easy Read or Auslan, mention that when you register or email founder@edulinked.com.au.

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