Total Communication

We have a ‘total communication’ approach to maximising pupils Speech, Language and Communication needs

To view our Makaton sign of the week click on the link below:

What does this mean?

'Total Communication' is a holistic view of communication, often using a range of modalities or even thinking “outside the box” to create a system of communication that works for an individual. Other definitions of Total Communication include:

Using any means and every means to communicate and/or receive a message.
Creating a best fit system of communication to facilitate an individual to communicate, optimising their skills and reducing barriers to learning and communicating
A “catch-all” that ensures that an individual has access to some means of communication.
Facilitating and assisting each person by providing supports and opportunities to become involved and to reach their potential.”

In our school this means facilitating expressive and receptive communication through the use of:

Touch cues
Objects of reference
Sign support – Makaton
Symbol support
Facial expression, gesture and body language
Environmental cues
Pictures / Visual Strategies
Assistive Technology / Communication / AAC
Written text
Speech & Vocalisation
Intensive interaction

Keeping up to date

Here at St Giles we are constantly working collaboratively with the Speach and Language Team and keeping ourselves up to date with current themes and topics in the world of communication so we can provide and deliver the highest quality of communication development for our students.

Here is some recent information on Gestalt Language Processing which we have found really useful in our current practice:

https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gestalt-Language-

Processing.pdf