The Master’s Degree in Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) was born from the collaboration between the Benedetta D’Intino Center, the first Center in Italy dedicated to the development and promotion of AAC, with the Center for Studies and Research on Disability and Marginality (CeDisMa) of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.
Application deadline: May 31, 2023
The master’s course aims to provide figures who already possess their own and adequate professional preparation with the skills necessary to start and conduct CAA projects aimed at those with Complex Communicative Needs and the people who are involved in their lives in various ways.
The specific expertise acquired in defining, planning and conducting CAA projects can significantly be integrated into the peculiar professionalism of each and implemented within the various contexts in which the professional already works: health care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, social and socio-educational facilities, communities and Sanitary Residences for the Disabled (RSD), school and extra-school contexts (with particular reference to their pedagogical dimension of inclusion), associative realities aimed at the
Teaching methods
The Master’s program includes frontal theoretical lectures and workshops and practical activities through which it will be possible to develop and enrich one’s working skills, knowledge and mastery of strategies and techniques to promote functional and effective communication.
The training process takes place in groups and requires learners to actively participate and share. Therefore, trainees must be willing to bring their own clinical materials for case discussion.
The internship activity (50 hours total) includes in-person activities and hands-on workshops and group work for the planning and implementation of AAC strategies. The hours will be divided as follows: two days of internship at the Benedetta d’Intino Center in Milan, Italy, and four days dedicated to the practical study of the following topics: the Bliss Symbolic System; experiences on how to build communication opportunities; experiences in building and using communication charts; experiences in programming devices, aids, software and Apps for AAC.
Duration: June 2023 – March 2024
The Master’s program is divided into 9 modules on a monthly basis. Each module takes place on three consecutive days (Thursday through Saturday), except for one that lasts four days.
Requirements
Access to the Master’s program is provided for those who hold a bachelor’s degree (Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Neuro and Psychomotricity Therapists of the Age of Development, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Education and Training Sciences) and a master’s degree (Medicine and Surgery, Psychology, Pedagogy, Pedagogical Sciences, Pedagogical Counseling for Disability and Marginality and Pedagogical Master’s Degrees).
In case more applications are received than available positions, the CV will be evaluated and a motivational interview conducted if necessary.
