This is a General Key Word Signing Course, held in the evenings from 6:15pm to 7:45pm, for anyone wanting to learn to sign with family, friends or clients, or just for general interest. Prerequisite: Level 1 and 2 KWS with All Areas Speech Pathology, or: a knowledge of the signing alphabet and numbers and a willingness to join in at level 3. Week 1: Thursday 28th of November Week 2: Thursday 5th of December 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 3 course is ideal for participants who have completed levels 1 and 2 or who 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 3 FOR BEGINNERS Small friendly interactive classes Suitable for teenagers and adults (children aged 7 – 14 may attend with a paying *****) Keep practising the alphabet/finger spelling and signing numbers Develop a basic sign vocabulary (Auslan signs) – topics: food, drinks and places Increase confidence to communicate through sign with other people Remember signs by signing along to music The Level 3 course runs for three hours. The beginner level course is taught over 2 x 1.5 hour classes. Participants can choose to continue on through the remaining levels (4 – 10) when they are offered, or can stop after completing levels 1, 2 and 3. Certificates of attendance are provided at the end of each level (or after completion of 1 – 5). Cost includes a colour booklet containing photos of the signs taught.