This session explores the challenges faced in trying to promote communication in learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
From a premise that learners with PMLD have a different and more restricted experience of life to their non-disabled peers, the paper will identify these differences and how we may practically address this within the context of enabling their communication.
It aims to
• identify a framework for communication development by which we can plan for progress
• acknowledge where learners are placed on a continuum of communication
• suggest key strategies and approaches to develop communicative repertoires, increase communication opportunities and enhance learning possibilities in day to day activities, highlighting the importance of ‘our’ role of in this process