Communication skill teaching for severe learning disabilities pupils

Pupils with learning disabilities of severe speech problem also have the opportunity to learn in the Special Education Integration Programme for Learning Disabilities. They communicate with teachers and friends using their self –created sign language. This made it difficult for them as they could not communicate freely with the people around them. Pupils with severe learning disabilities can benefit from the education system if their teachers and peers use augmentative and alternative communication in the teaching and learning process. A qualitative study was carried out using a narrative inquiry research design. Data were collected from various sources such as classroom observations, interviews and analysis of document evidence. The result showed that pupils with severe learning disabilities learnt language skills by using gestures and picture cards; that may be perceived as traditional method. The T&L of non-oral skills may be more effective if teachers could master and have the knowledge related to speech therapy. Augmentative and alternative communications recommended as a teaching approach to help pupils with learning disabilities of severe speech problem. To implement this as a T&L innovation, parents, Special Education teachers and Student Management Assistant should be given knowledge through training and workshop series.