Course details

Communication Confidence helps practitioners create environments and interactions that support people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and everyday communication aids. The course emphasises practical coaching, environment design and simple routines that increase participation across education, community and service settings.

Learning outcomes

  • Support basic AAC strategies in everyday interactions.
  • Create welcoming communication environments and routines.
  • Use consent and dignity-first approaches when introducing aids.

Who this is for

Support staff, educators, library workers, community practitioners and volunteers who work with people using AAC or who need everyday communication supports.

Learning hours & prerequisites

  • Estimated learning time: 6–10 hours (modules + practice)
  • No formal prerequisites; useful for staff across sectors who support communication participation.

Syllabus / Modules

  1. Module 1 — Principles of communication support: dignity, consent and person-centred practice.
  2. Module 2 — Everyday AAC strategies: simple supports, aided language modelling and participation techniques.
  3. Module 3 — Environment & routines: making spaces and routines communication-friendly.
  4. Module 4 — Coaching interactions: short coaching scripts for staff and volunteers.
  5. Module 5 — Practice activity: run a supported interaction or activity and reflect.

Delivery & support

Offered as short online modules, cohort-based facilitation or partner-supported pilots. We provide coaching scripts, short observation tools and advice for embedding communication-friendly routines.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to build communication confidence?

Register your interest to receive the syllabus and be notified about upcoming cohorts and partner pilots.