Training Programs

Introductory Training

This two-day workshop covers the foundational concepts of the method and teaches the basic set of skills necessary to become a facilitator. This workshop is for parents and professionals who support an individual who currently uses the method, or those who are interested in exploring the method with a prospective candidate. We strongly encourage teams to attend together.
Topics for the introductory workshop include:

* Definition and candidacy
* History of facilitated communication
* Conceptual framework
* Elements of training
* Independence
* Determination of Authorship
* Best practice

The workshop is highly interactive and is taught by master trainers and skilled AAC/FC users. Attendees will meet and talk with experienced users of the method and their facilitators. Throughout the two days, activities and simulations will focus on the learning of:
A young woman supporting a FC user from behind on his elbows

* The general nature of support
* How to give physical support
* Feedback and monitoring
* Independence training
* Documentation of communication skills

The institute provides training in Syracuse and other locations around the United States, Canada as well as other countries. Staff members work with families, school districts and agencies with a commitment to quality training and effective application of the method.

Click here for a sample agenda of a two day introductory workshop.

Fees: One day.... $75 Two Days.... $125

Click here for a Flyer and Click here for a Registration Form.

Skill Building

Offered in Syracuse area, the Saturday Series is designed as a means for AAC/FC users and their facilitators to get together, support each other and continue their learning of effective application of the method. Whereas the introductory training is geared toward learning for facilitators, the Saturday Series encourages AAC/FC user s to attend with their facilitators in order to learn together and to get the support from coaches and trainers as well as others who present on a variety of topics. Click here for dates and topics of upcoming monthly meeting.

Communication Coaches Program

The purpose of this program is to build the capacity of Communication Coaches so that they are skilled in training others to be effective communication partners for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Coaches assist in supporting the communication of people with communication impairments who point and type to express themselves. This program is structured as a ‘mentorship’ within a group setting and requires the commitment to attend monthly weekend training over a period of 4 months. The project aims to increase the number of Communication Partners available to AAC users who need support to type and point. Participants will be taught cutting edge practices to assist in their development as Communication Coaches. Participants will be provided a Communication Toolkit to use as a resource in their future work.

Click here to apply to the Communication Coaches Program

Trainers’ Program

The Trainer’s Program is developed by the Institute to promote consistent training of high quality. The goal of the program is to build skills in participants for the purpose of:

teaching foundation concepts of facilitated communication
training the use of best practice, and
supporting others for the effective implementation of facilitated communication in people’s lives.

The Trainer’s Program prepares a person to present foundation concepts to audiences through information sessions, topical seminars and workshops. It also focuses on teaching others to be a facilitator with a person who uses facilitation as a communication strategy. The Trainer’s Program is provided in a workshop format, with opportunity to work directly with fc users and their families. It is combined with introductory level training and is five days in length. The Trainer’s Program is the beginning step toward achieving the level of Master Trainer. Those interested in developing the teaching skills at this level should first build their skills as facilitators. A minimum requirement for participants is one year of experience with one person who uses the support of facilitation. Participants are encouraged, however, to work with more than one person in this time period if possible. Some will first achieve the level of communication coach before becoming a trainer. Others will go right from their training as a facilitator to the learning level of trainer.

Click here to apply to the trainer’s program.

Master Trainer Program

The master trainer program is a mentorship process in which a participant works with a current master trainer to achieve the knowledge, skill and experience necessary for certification. It builds on the skills of trainer and communication coach. People should be fully confident in their skills in these two areas before starting in this program. Those interested in this level of learning are encouraged to select a master trainer to work with and develop a plan of experience and supervision. There is no exact timeline for the master trainer’s program. Rather the time required to build skills to the level appropriate for certification depends on a person’s opportunity to work in all aspects of this field and the coordination between the master trainer and the ‘intern’ to build a portfolio. At the time that the master trainer and the intern determine completion of the necessary work, the portfolio is presented to the group of master trainers for review and decision regarding certification. All participants work toward a Certificate of Recognition.

Click here for the list of Master Trainers.