Information listed below relates to a number of different workshops using Basic or Key Word Sign.  In all workshops we teach Auslan Signs but we use the Key Word signing theory. Key Word Sign means that we use the sign language that is used in Australia (Auslan) but we teach people to use the signs in correct word order and only pick out the keys words to sign ie:
I am going to the shops -
I GO SHOP are the words signed.
At the same time as doing the signs we always use voice : I am GOing to the SHOPs.

  WE ALWAYS USE VOICE TOGETHER WITH THE SIGNS.

Sign language, as an augmentative communication tool, does not replace language.

Rather, it can open a new line of communication for the child/adult who is struggling with speech.

With this in mind, we do not teach the whole language but an appropriate block of signs until either the child moves on from signing or more signs are required.Sign are taught using repetition, card games © and some theory ©.

The following courses are recommended for anyone who is serious about using sign language.

 

INTRODUCTION TO AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

In this workshop you learn approximately 50 basic everyday signs, fingerspelling and practice the use of these signs. Discussions on the benefits of Sign Language as an Augmentative form of Communication, resources, internet sites of interest and some times is also made available for group discussion..

A great introduction to Sign Language and the benefits of its use.

Set price workshop $400 (GST INC) which means if a service or centre book this workshop they pay our price and then charge participants their own price. Maximum participants 25 - additional cost per participant over maximum number**.  

2½ hour course.  Copies of signs taught & relevant information are provided to the organiser for photocopying for each participant. Certificate of Attendance available on request.

 

COMBINED WORKSHOP (Our Most POPULAR)

The Combined Workshop covers both Augmentative Communication and the beauty of sign language used with song and is a very popular workshop. This is a great way to introduce sign language to a group of people who are unsure about using sign language or those wanting to see its use in both areas. The Combined Workshop incorporates learning approximately 50 signs for use in day-to-day living and another 30 signs for use in three songs.

2½ hours copies of signs taught & relevant information are provided to the organiser for photocopying for each participant.,  $450 (GST INC) set price**.  Maximum numbers for workshop apply.  Certificate of Attendance available on request. 

And of course we end the evening by singing & signing the songs covered.

 

MAKATON WORKSHOP

Aileen and Lisa are trained Makaton Presenter and both have studiede at Tafe &and received Certificate in Language (Auslan).

This workshop runs over a full day, or 2 x  3 hour sessions covering the use of Key Word Sign and natural gesture.

As of 1st January Makaton  Australia based at Newcastle University changed its name to Key Word Sign Australia. For more information on this click on Web Site Links then Aileens Blog.

Makaton (Key Word Sign)workshop runs over one  full day, or 2 x 3 hour sessions covering the use of Key Word Sign and natural gesture.
Workshop participants will be able to:

• explain the difference between Key word sign, Auslan and Signed English.
• Sign at least 80 words.
• Have an understanding of sign production techniques,
• know where to find resources and
• follow up support of key word sign and natural gesture and
• be eligible for a Basic Makaton Workshop certificate .
  

Handouts are sent to the organizer to photocopy for participants – these include information on key word signing, sign graphics, information taught on the day. 

 

Cost is $650 for 25 participants.

25- 35 an additional presenter comes along and cost goes to $950.

Workshop done over two nights $850 for 25 participants

25-35 participants an additional presenter cost increases to $1,150 

 

TODDLER/PRESCHOOLER WORKSHOP

For parents or professionals involved in or about to enter Early Childhood Settings and in need of a start in sign language or revision of their sign skills this course is great.

You will learn approximately 80 signs used in the daily routine of early childhood centres and some time is spent on putting these signs into use.

We also discuss resources and the benefits of key word signing. Photocopies of relevant information are provided for each participant. This workshop is great for beginners or for those wishing to do revision. 

This workshop goes for 3 hours.   $500 (GST INC) set price**. Minimum & maximum numbers for workshop apply.  Copies of signs taught & relevant information are provided to the organiser for photocopying for each participant.  Certificate of Attendance available on request.

 

COLOURS,ANIMALS & DIRECTIONS

You will learn approximately 80 signs mostly to do with animals and colours and some directions. What a wonderful way to build on a childs interest in sign language. We also discuss resources and the benefits of key word signing.

For parents or professionals involved in or about to enter Early Childhood Settings,  in need of additional signs to add to a basic understand and use of sign language, this course is fun and a  interesting way to look at signing. Photocopies of relevant information are provided for each participant. This workshop is great for anyone.

2½ hours.  Cost is $450 (GST INC) set price**. Maximum numbers for workshop apply. Certificate of Attendance available on request.

 

8-WEEK KEY SIGN WORKSHOPS

The eight week course (covers the BASIC/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED workshops) in one block.

2½ hours once a week -you will cover over 300 signs.  Great for use from first communication up to and including school days. Signs for day-to-day use in early childhood settings and home life.These workshops are good for beginners with no prior knowledge of sign language or revision for those who have attended these or the seven week course previously.

(A very good discount price offered as long as you are able to provide certificate from previous course with "Hands Can Talk").

Totally different signs are covered during four of the sessions. Revision of previous weeks signs at the start of each workshop and time for discussions and using the signs so you can practice what you are learning.More intense revision towards last cple of weeks.

A Certificate of Attendance is given to each participant at the completion of the course.

The books - "Makaton Vocabulary (Auslan Edition)" and "Key Sign - a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary" are available at additional cost. These books contain signs covered throughout the 8 weeks.Other resources will also be available for purchase at the workshops.

It is not compulsory to buy these books but very highly recommended as revision of your signs is the only way to maintain knowledge and accuracy.

Cost is $240 (GST INC) per participant for 8 weeks. Minimum & maximum numbers for workshop apply. It is possible for organisations who book workshop to pay discount price for their staff** - conditions apply. call Aileen 02 9824 8332 to discuss.

 

RESOURCE WORKSHOP

2½ hours. Participants often elect to do this workshop following a signing workshop held in the morning.

Resources can be made in relevance to peoples needs – ie storybooks, walls charts, selection charts, menus, daily tasks etc. These workshops are relevant to parents, early childhood services, primary and high schools, respite care, residential care, before and after school care.

Workshops are set up with 2 different types of resources being done at a session. We supply graphics, cardboard, laminate etc.

Participants are asked to bring glue and scissors and each goes home with a resource or two. We also bring a large selection of pre-made resources to give people ideas on what can be done. Part of the workshop also includes time spent on discussing visual resources, the benefits gained from their use, different types, websites and information and idea exchanging.

Set price workshop $400 if held with another workshop or $450 as a one off workshop (GST inclusive) plus $10 each participant for resources being made.

Organiser will need to photocopy relevant information for participants and numbers covered are 25 maximum. Any over this there is an additional charge of $15 per participants over. Certificate of Attendance available on request 

 

READ & SIGN WORKSHOP

MRS HONEY’S HAT WORKSHOP

This workshop goes for 2½ hours. Participants, learn the signs relevant to Mrs. Honey’s Hat and complete the workshop not only feeling comfortable with the signs relevant to the story but also feeling comfortable with reading the book to others.

This is a fun and interactive workshop. Signs needed for the story are supplied at the workshop but participants need to buy their own copy of Mrs. Honeys Hat – lap size preferred. This workshop is the first in a series that cover popular books used in Early Childhood settings. Set price $500 (GST INC)

Other stories that are covered are
1. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See
2. Mouse Paint
3. Dear Zoo
4. 10 Cheeky Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
5. I went Visiting

All of these stories can be done two to a workshop. The only one that is done on its own is Mrs Honey's Hat (due to number of signs covered in this book) Call Aileen to discuss which books you wish to cover.

A fun and interactive workshop. Signs needed for the story are supplied at the workshop but participants need to purchase their own copies of the books decided on. Contact Hands Can Talk to get a list of the popular books used in Early Childhood settings.  Certificate of Attendance available on request  

 

MAKATON REVISION WORKSHOP
This workshop can be booked by an organisation that has held a previous Makaton Basic workshop. Time is spent going over the signs that were taught previously and looking into signs that participants feel need to be added. After revising the signs and discussion time people take part in scripting activities and games to help build on their skills and confidence. Workshop runs for 2½ hours. Cost is $400.00.

Aileen and Lisa are both trained Makaton Presenters (Key Sign Presenters)  both have studied Certificate in Language (Auslan).Workshop designed with appropriate signs for adult services such as residential and respite care. Workshops can be done as staff in-services in individual residences or in larger groups for staff training purposes. Maximum 25 participants  Duration: 3 hours Cost: $500 (GST Inclusive) One set of relevant information is supplied to theservice to make copies for each participant. Certificate of Attendance available on request. Maximum numbers apply.

All of our workshops have a basic vocabulary for day-to-day activities and needs. Only a limited number of signs relate to specific topics so if you are looking at getting started no matter the age of the person needing sign language any workshop would be an option rather than waiting for a specific workshop. i.e. the same basics would be in a workshop whether for baby/toddler, school age or adult.

 

SCHOOL/PLAYGROUND WORKSHOP

This is a one off workshop that can be done at the convenience of the school - consider Staff Development day or straight after school day. $450 (GST INC) Set price** workshop.

Great way for staff to all learn the same signs and be consistent. Allows students to approach staff with confidence that they will be understood. During the session time is spent discussing different situations that sign can be introduced, encouraged in different techniques for remembering and practicing their signs and shown resources that can be made to help in the class room.

 2½hr workshop that covers approx 80 signs. These are signs that are being used by the child/children in the school setting on a day-to-day basis. Appropriate for use in the classroom and the playground. Survival signs covering the what, where, play, behaviour, lunch, recess and class room activities.

Consider this workshop as a refresher as well. Though having attended once, people over time tend to forget some signs or miss shape signs and of course there is also staff turnover. A refresher class at least every two years is recommended.

*Conditions Apply - one set of relevant information is supplied to the school to make copies for each participant. Certificate of Attendance available on request. Maximum numbers apply. 

 

 

ADULT (special needs) SIGN WORKSHOP

Workshop designed with appropriate signs for adult services. Workshops can be done as staff in-services in individual residences or in larger groups for staff training purposes. Maximum 25 participants.

Duration: 3 hours Cost: $450 (GST Inclusive) One set of relevant information is supplied to the service to make copies for each participant. Certificate of Attendance available on request.