Danielle Chapman Email and Phone Number

I am currently a Year 1 teacher in Toowoomba, QLD. I teach in an inclusive classroom where Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods are modelled and taught to all students in my class as a support measure for students with complex communication needs. I wear a high-tech communication device for the entirety of the school day and model lanauge through all lessons and daily routines. In 2021/2022 I used PODD (high-tech Grid software on an iPad that matched the students eye gaze device) and in 2023 I am using LAMP. I have an interest in developing the AAC capabilities of all students in my room as I believe that all students benefit socially, academically and emotionally from becoming confident communication partners. I take pride in supporting inclusion through using AAC supports across all curriculum areas and school routines. I write and lead learning associated with highly individualised curriculums (HIC) for all students with complex communication needs at my school. These allow students to access the same content as their same age peers. I also work as a support worker where I aid children to live an inclusive life through supporting them to engage with similar aged peers in daily life experiences, outings and events. In this time, I also support children at home by planning and conducting comprehensive literacy activities where we use AAC devices (PODD book, Tobii Eye Gaze, TD Snap and alternate pencils) to engage in shared/modelled/independent reading and writing. I have recently transferred after completing 5 years of country service in Tambo and Roma. Here I developed a keen interest in advocating for quality education in remote areas and undertook professional learning in developing literacy in the Early Years. I graduated from a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the University of Southern Queensland in 2015 with a GPA 6.25. .