Becoming AAC aware at Harold Wood Primary School
CENMAC supports a number of children and young people who use power based AAC to support their communication and access to the curriculum.
Learning to use a power based communication device is like learning a new language. It can be quite challenging at first, so having a role model who also uses AAC can really help.
Abdi Omar is CENMAC’s AAC Consultant and often visits schools to provide encouragement and motivation to children and young people who are learning to use AAC.
Abdi recently visited Harold Wood Primary School where he is supporting one of their pupils. Abdi spoke to the whole class about his life and then showed them all how to use an AAC device using fun and engaging activities. It’s important for all pupils to understand how power based AAC works so they can communicate effectively with their classmate and help them to feel fully included.
Here’s what some of the pupils had to say about their session with Abdi
“When Abdi came in, it was amazing because he used a sticker on his head to control a mouse which controlled his iPad. It was really mind blowing and interesting to see this in action. Abdi was amazing, he really made us laugh. Thank you Abdi for opening our eyes and helping us to communicate with our peers.” Riley
“Abdi was the best thing that happened today because he had a different way to communicate by using a sticker on his head which was a mouse for his computer. It was completely mind blowing. That is when we realised that everyone is different and we will always respect each other, no matter the disability or needs, you’re still a person with feelings and emotions. Thank you so much Abdi for inspiring us. We will remember this day forever.” Gracie
“It was so interesting getting to meet Abdi. I loved seeing how he could control his device with a dot on his head to select all these little symbols. Abdi helped us understand different ways to communicate with people and a pupil in our class. It was great to see how people could use a tablet to communicate. We played games with Abdi and he made us laugh a lot. We had a lot of fun. Thank you, Abdi, for showing us that everyone can be amazing even if people have disabilities holding them back, they can shine! Abdi you are amazing, you truly are!” Sophia
“It was mind blowing when Abdi came in. He helped us to communicate with one of our peers. He also made us laugh. Thank you for inspiring us, Abdi.” Lucas
Watch the video and download the posters
To help spread AAC awareness at your school watch Abdi’s Top Tips video and download the posters for your classroom.
> Watch the video & download posters
Book a session with Abdi
Abdi’s sessions help to spread AAC awareness and understanding. If your school would like to book an in-person or online session with Abdi Omar please contact us at mail@cenmac.com.
