- Description
-
We are the sole source of training and consultation for the internationally recognised, evicence-based Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the Pyramid Approach to Education. We offer training, customised consultancy and resources to support PECS and the Pyramid Approach to Education.
We offer a wide range of consulting services and products for educators and parents of children and adults with autism and related disabilities. We also offer a variety of training opportunities and products that focus on the initiation of communication and the design of effective educational environments.
- Telephone
-
01273 609555
- Email address
- Website
- Address
-
Unit 5, Stonecross Farm Industrial Park, Lewes Road, Lewes, BN8 6BN
- Map
- Venue notes
-
Training takes place across the UK. Click here for training dates and venues: Pyramid Education Consultants Training Schedule
- Is a referral required?
-
No
- Age range
-
18 months plus
- Local Offer details
-
What does your service do?
PECS is a unique alternative/augmentative communication system developed in the USA in 1985 by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. and Lori Frost, M.S. CCC/SLP. PECS was first implemented with pre school students diagnosed with Autism at the Delaware Autism Program. Program findings were that 76% of children placed on PECS acquired speech as either their sole communication system or augmented by a picture based system. Since then PECS has been implemented worldwide with learners of all ages who have various cognitive, physical and communication challenges.
PECS consist of six phases. It begins by teaching an individual to give a single picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner”, who immediately honours the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more advanced phases, individuals are taught to use modifiers, answer questions and comment.
We run around 95 PECS workshops per year, and offer training in behaviour management, sexual and social safety for those with additional needs plus the highly acclaimed ‘Language of Emotions’.
We also offer consultancy in the form of in-school support, in-home support, in-community support. 1:1 consultation and remote support via interactive technology (skype or sightspeed).
Post training support is also available.
Who does your service provide for?
There are no eligibility criteria to use PECS, and it is appropriate for people of all ages with a wide range of learning difficulties. PECS is now successfully being used with adults and children with a range of communication difficulties. It is never too late to start PECS which can be used in conjunction with other approached such as TEACCH, portage and ABA.
How can I start using the service?
You do not need a referral to use PECS. Look at our website for a list of current training workshops. If you need help with funding it is possible that you could be eligible for financial assistance from the Pyramid Educational Trust
There are no waiting lists for our services or to attend one of our workshops.
PECS workshops and consultancy services are open to everyone, parents and professionals alike.
Is your service fully accessible?
All of our training workshops are held in hotels and conference venues and therefore should be fully accessible. We use audio visual equipment (including microphones) at all of our workshops.
Children do not attend our workshops they are intended for adults only.
What training are the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had or are having?
All of the Pyramid consultants are highly trained professionals. All enquiries should be directed to our office in the first instance.
