AGOSCI – early history

AGOSCI was created in 1981 by a group of Speech Pathologists within Speech Pathology Australia who had a vision to have a wider reach with regards to supporting people with complex communication needs, their families, and their professional and community networks.  The AGOSCI name was an acronym for “Australian Group on Severe Communication Impairment”. Due to changes in terminology and the wider reach of the group, AGOSCI now no longer refers to itself in that way but continues to use the acronym as our name.

Communication Access

communication access symbolAGOSCI has been awarded the Communication Access Symbol. This means we have met the standards that make our organisation communication accessible. We are committed to communicating effectively and respectfully with customers who have communication difficulties, and we use strategies and resources to support successful communication. For more information about communication access click here to visit Scope.  

Complex Communication Needs? What are they?

Complex Communication Needs is defined as the difficulty communicating using speech alone.

People with CCN include those with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Stroke, Intellectual Disability, sensory impairments and degenerative conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease.

People with CCN often use communication aids to help them express themselves and participate in society.  Communication aids include Key Word Signing, communication books (such as PODD), and speech output devices. 

A communication disability does not just belong to the individual, which is why AGOSCI also supports communication partners, and communication accessible environments.

AGOSCI’s current activities include:

  • Education and Training
  • Conference
  • National Tour
  • State based events
  • Networking
  • Information
  • AGOSCI In Focus(magazine)
  • Listserv
  • Website
  • Participation in Social Media
  • Advocacy

Topics associated with complex communication needs may include:

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication

  • Speech Generating Devices

  • Sign and Gesture systems including Key Word Sign

  • Mealtime assistance

  • Dysphagia

  • Saliva control

  • Personal experiences

ABN 74 607 243 620
AO A0022584B

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