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Merry Christmas with a 15% Online Store Discount
19/12/2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
15% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU ORDER ONLINE IN DECEMBER!
We would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas by offering you a 15% discount
on all products (including sale items) when you order through our online store
before 31st December, 2011
Just enter your christmas coupon code in the online store checkout to receive 15% discount.
MERRYCMAS11
Product orders placed after 20th December will be despatched when the Pyramid Office re-opens on January 3rd.
Pyramid Office Christmas Closures
15/12/2011
Pyramid Australia Christmas Closures
Pyramid Australia will close for Christmas on Friday 23rd December and will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January.
Pyramid Australia's Products department will close for Christmas on Wednesday 21st December. Any orders received after 21st December will not be processed until the Pyramid Australia office re-opens on Tuesday 3rd January.
Pre-Order your 2012 PECS-Pyramid Calendar Online
04/10/2011
2012 PECS-Pyramid Calendar Now Available for Pre-Order Online!
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia held the “Show Us Your PECS” Photograph Competition in August and September, 2011. Photographs from this competition will be showcased in our 2012 calendar which includes important dates, as well as comments and handy hints from our clinical staff.
Thanks to everyone who took part in the "Show Us Your PECS" Photograph Competition, it was a great success!
See more at: http://www.pecsaustralia.com/showusyourPECS.php
October is AAC Awareness Month
29/09/2011
October is AAC Awareness Month.
How would you communicate if you could not talk?
Try using pictures to order your coffee today!
Join us in raising awareness by downloading our pictures to take to your local coffee shop.
An AAC is an Augmentative/Alternative Communication System. For individuals who are unable to speak, they provide a way to get the messgae across. Join us in raising awareness of AAC by participating in our Coffee Shop Communication Challenge.
visit www.pecsaustralia.com/aac.php for more information
Sydney & Adelaide Consultations Available
28/09/2011
Consultations Available - Sydney & Adelaide Areas
Pyramid Consultant Sophie Kerr will be available for in-home and educational setting consultations during October in the Sydney and Adelaide areas.
Sydney: 17th & 18th October, 2011
Adelaide: 29th & 30th October, 2011
To make an appointment, please contact the office on 03 93145374 or email Erin at ehobbin@pecs.com
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 7: September, 2011
12/09/2011
Issue 7 of the Pyramid Australia Newsletter is now available for download.
Click here to read our September issue.
National Child Protection Week - SoSAFE! Training Discount
06/09/2011
In recognition of this week being “National Child Protection Week” we are offering discounted places to our SoSAFE! workshop in Sydney to be held on 19th October 2011.
We believe that people with disabilities deserve the same rights and respect as everyone else and in order for this to happen we need to supply them with appropriate tools to help them to protect themselves.
The SoSAFE! program is a set of visual and conceptual tools designed to promote social safety for people with moderate to severe intellectual disability (MSID) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SoSAFE! provides teachers, counsellors, and other professionals with simple visual tools to enhance the social, social-sexual and social safety training of these individuals.
The SoSAFE! program uses a standardised framework of concepts, symbols and visual lesson materials to teach the type and degree of communicative and physical intimacy appropriate with different groups of people in an individual’s life. The program also teaches strategies for moving into intimate relationships in a safe and measured manner. The standardised and integrated framework of SoSAFE! facilitates the consistency of instruction, terminology and materials; all of which are essential for the acquisition and maintenance of skills in people with a moderate to severe intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder.
Places usually start at $405.00 per person for professionals and $200.00 for parents/students but for this week places will be set at the parent/student rate of $200.00 for professionals and $100.00 for parents/students. Should you wish to attend please fill out a registration form (download a copy from our "forms & applications" page under the downloads tab) and return via email or fax at your earliest convenience.
Product Specials for December
30/08/2011
Visit our Product Specials page in our online store to see the latest products on sale
Thank you - from Every Australian Counts!
10/08/2011
Thank you form Every Australian Counts
We did it!
The Government has just announced that they share the vision for a National Disability Insurance Scheme and will begin laying the foundations for its introduction.
They also released the final report by the Productivity Commission into the NDIS.
See the Government's announcement here and the Productivity Commission's report here.
We're trawling through the detail of the announcement and the report, but first we wanted to say a huge thank you.
You made this happen. By coming together, supporting the campaign and taking action, you showed our politicians that Every Australian Counts.
The Government's announcement today shows that when we speak up, they are prepared to listen.
But as the Government has made clear, there is more to do.
We are waiting for the Opposition to come out in strong support of the Productivity Commission's recommendations.
And over the coming weeks and months we will all want to work to ensure the government gets the details right.
But first let's take some time to celebrate this colossal win for people with disabilities, their families and carers.
After that, let's roll up our sleeves and work to make the NDIS the best it can be.
John Della Bosca
and the Every Australian Counts team
www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au
The Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program
01/08/2011
Autism Queensland
The Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program
The Adam Scott Foundation was formed in 2005 and aims to support disadvantaged and underprivileged youth by providing opportunities to fulfill potential or overcome difficulties throughout life’s journey.
The Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program has been designed to provide young people living with autism, the access to Apple iPads and their innovative Autism specialised applications.
The Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program is available to young people, aged 6-16 as of 16 November 2010, with an Autism Diagnosis across Australia. To be eligible you must be a permanent Australian resident.
For more information about Autism Queensland’s Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program, please visit http://www.autismqld.com.au/index.php?page_id=310
Upcoming Brisbane Workshops
20/07/2011
Pyramid Australia is coming to Brisbane!
If you are interested in attending any of the following workshops, please email ncullen@pecs.com for a flyer, or visit our Training page at www.pecsaustralia.com/training.php
SoSAFE! Training Workshop - 15th August, 2011
PECS Basic Training Workshop - 17th & 18th August, 2011
Teaching Critical Communication Skills Training Workshop - 19th August, 2011
PECS Advanced Training Workshop - 22nd & 23rd August, 2011
Remember that FaHCSIA funding may be used most of Pyramid Australia's workshops.
Mackay - Upcoming PECS Basic Training Workshops
18/07/2011
Hurry to register for our regional workshops before it is too late!
Mackay - 25th & 26th August, 2011 (registrations close 1st August)
If you are interested in attending our regional PECS Basic Training Workshops, please register early to avoid missing out.
These workshops will only go ahead if enough participants register before the closing date.
Show us your PECS Photo Competition
17/07/2011
Show us your PECS! - Facebook Photo Competition
We are looking for 12 photos to feature in our 2012 PECS Calendar. The top 3 photos, as judged by public vote, will also receive prizes. Just upload a maximum of 2 photos of your child using PECS to our Facebook page, and get as many of your friends and family to vote for your photo/s as you can. To vote, simply log on to Facebook and comment 'vote' under the photo.
Voting starts on Monday 1st August 2011 at 8:30am EST, any votes before this date do not count. Voting ends Friday 30th September 2011, and the winners will be announced on Monday 3rd October 2011. Prizes are as follows:
1st Prize: Free workshop place of your choice & free products to the value of $150
2nd Prize: Free workshop place of your choice
3rd Prize: Free products to the value of $150
* Please ensure photos are uploaded in high resolution for use in the calendar. Any photos uploaded may be used by Pyramid as advertising material. This competition is for Australia and New Zealand only.
DisabiliTEA - August 2nd
13/07/2011
Join Pyramid Australia is holding a
DisabiliTEA
Tuesday August 2nd, 2011
The Odd Spot Cafe - 302 Melbourne Road, Newport VIC
The Disabilitea is to raise awareness and bring campaigners together to spread the word about the need for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Every Australian Counts is the campaign for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS will revolutionise the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in this country. The NDIS will be a new support system for people with a disability, their families and carers. It will transform the way services are funded and delivered, ensuring people are better supported and enabling them to have greater choice and control.
Over the next few months the Productivity Commission will report to the Government on the findings of its inquiry into a long-term disability care and support scheme.
We need every Australian to stand up and say that people with a disability, their families and carers in this country deserve better and that it’s time for change. We need every Australian to say that people with a disability, their families and carers are Australians too, and that their hopes and dreams count. That they are part of our community, and that they count. We need to show the government that there is widespread community support for change – and that the time for action has come.
For more information about the NDIS please visit www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au
For information on Pyramid Australia's DisabiliTEA on August 2nd, please visit our DisabiliTEA webpage at: www.pecsaustralia.com/disabiliTEA.php
If you are not able to make it to the Disabilitea but would still like to contribute please download the ndis signup form from Pyramid Australia's Disabilitea website and try to get as many names as possible.
Please feel free to distribute our Disabilitea invitation to those you know may be interesed in attending. You can download this invite from our Disabilitea webpage.
Upcoming PECS Basic Training in Darwin
10/07/2011
PECS Basic Training Workshop in Darwin
October 3 & 4, 2011
Autism NT is sponsoring a PECS Basic Training Workshop in Darwin on October 3rd and 4th, 2011
For further information you can contact Autism NT directly on 08 89484424, or at autismnt@autismnt.org.au
or you can click here to download their workshop flyer
Or you can visit our sponsored workshops page by clicking here to see other organisations holding training workshops in your area.
NDIS Support - DisabiliTea in Newport
09/07/2011
You are invited to join Pyramid Educational Consultants for a
DisabiliTea
on 2nd August at 10:00am
to raise awareness of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the campaign to make Every Australian Count.
The Odd Spot Cafe - Melbourne Road, Newport.
Please RSVP to Erin at ehobbin@pecs.com by July 29th
For more information on the NDIS, please click this link
or visit the Every Australian Counts website: www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au
If you would like to support the NDIS, and Every Australian Counts, you can download a sign up form by clicking here
NDIS Support Campaign
21/06/2011
Help support the the NDIS Campaign at Every Australian Counts website:
“To make sure the Federal Government accepts the recommendations of the Productivity Commission and commits to introducing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)”
http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au
Upcoming PECS Basic Training in Bangkok
17/06/2011
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia will be presenting a
PECS Basic Training Workshop
at the North Light Center, Bangkok
on the 10th and 11th November, 2011
Please visit www.pecsaustralia.com/sponsored.php for further information
If you wish to attend this workshop, please contact North Light Center directly:
Darat Setchaibodee - darat@intimeexhearing.com
PECS Intensive Programs 2011/2012
17/06/2011
Upcoming PECS Intensive Programs
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia will be holding several PECS Intensive Programs over the coming months.
If you would like information about the PECS Intensive Program, or if you would like to download a printable brochure, please visit www.pecsaustralia.com/intensive.php
As always, Erin is available for any questions you may have relating to the PECS Intensive Programs.
You can contact Erin at the office on 03 9314 5374, or you can email her directly at ehobbin@pecs.com
Darwin, NT
Nemarluk School
July 11th to July 15th, 2011
Mornington, Victoria
Contact Erin for venue details
October 3rd to October 7th, 2011
Adelaide, SA
Contact Erin for Venue details
October 10th to October 14th, 2011
Thornlands, Queensland
Redlands District Special School
January 23rd to January 27th, 2012
Hobart - Upcoming PECS Basic Training Workshop
05/06/2011
Pyramid Educational Consultants will be holding a PECS Basic Training Workshop in
Hobart on the 21st & 22nd July, 2011.
If you would like to attend the PECS Basic Training Workshop, please register and pay online (using PayPal),
or by sending us a registration form
(download a registration form from our "Forms & Applications" page.)
Registrations should be returned to Pyramid by Friday June 24th.
Upcoming PECS Advanced Training
05/06/2011
Upcoming PECS Advanced Training Workshops
Perth - 25th & 26th July, 2011
registrations to be received by Pyramid by Monday 27th June
Melbourne - 4th & 5th August, 2011
registrations to be received by Pyramid by Monday 11th July
Should you wish to attend either of these workshops, please register your interest early, as these workshops will only go ahead if enough participants have registered before the closing date.
To register, please download a registration form from our "Forms & Applications" page, or register and pay online using PayPal.
Free Webcast - The Pyramid Approach for Parents and Professionals
04/06/2011
Free Webcast Series
The Pyramid Approach for Parents and Professionals
Pyramid Educational Consultants is pleased to announce the launch of our newest webcast, The Pyramid Approach for Parents and Professionals, presented by Dr. Andy Bondy.
The Pyramid Approach to Education™ is a comprehensive framework for establishing effective learning environments. Through the use of applied behaviour analysis, this approach provides the foundation for a positive environment for growth. The Pyramid emphasises how to teach, rather than simply what to teach, in order to maximise an individual's learning outcomes. Go to http://www.pecs.com/webcasts/approach.php to download The Pyramid Approach for Parents and Professionals Webcast for FREE!
The Pyramid Approach for Parents and Professionals webcast will review how to establish effective teaching environments for learners with autism and related disabilities. Dr. Andy Bondy begins by briefly discussing the base of the Pyramid including functional activities, reinforcement systems, communication/social skills, and contextually inappropriate behaviours and alternatives. A description of the top elements of the Pyramid, including generalisation, creating effective lessons, specific teaching strategies, minimising and correcting errors, and data collection and analysis, follows.
What You Will Begin To Learn:
• How to successfully implement the Pyramid Approach to Education™
• The importance of teaching functional communication skills
• How to create opportunities for teaching
This webcast is appropriate for all members of the educational team who would like to learn about the Pyramid Approach to Education™, including speech-language pathologists, parents, teachers, behaviour analysts, psychologists, social workers and other professionals who are providing services for or living with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Interested in learning more about the Pyramid Approach to Education™?
You can attend our two-day workshop, The Pyramid Approach - Functional ABA Basic Training.
Click here for additional information about this training and a complete workshop schedule.
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 6: June, 2011
25/05/2011
Issue 6 of the Pyramid Australia Newsletter is now available for download.
Click here to read our June issue.
Free PECS Overview Seminar - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
24/05/2011
Last Chance to register for our Free PECS Overview Seminar in Melbourne
Registrations close at 1:00PM Friday 27th May
Free PECS Overview Seminar
28th May, 2011 - Jacana, Melbourne
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia will be presenting a FREE PECS Overview on 28th May at Northern School for Autism (Jacana Campus). This free PECS overview is appropriate for anyone who would like to learn about the Picture Exchange Communication System including a summary of all six phases, some visuals of PECS in action and how it becomes a functional communication system for the user. This is a three hour overview on PECS. This is not a training seminar, but a brief introduction to PECS. This talk begins with a brief overview of the Pyramid Approach to Education. A description of traditional approaches to communication and an overview of PECS will follow. The consultant will briefly discuss the phases of PECS and outcome data, as well as PECS’ relationship to reinforcement systems, schedules, and behaviour management.
If you would like to come along please visit this link to register. But be quick as places are limited.
Product Giveaway - Discrimination Training DVD Sets
18/05/2011
FREE Discrimination Training Alternatives 3 DVD Set
When you spend $300 or more through our online store
for a limited time only
www.pecsaustralia.com/products.php
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE - NOW ON!
17/05/2011
Pyramid Australia's
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE!
Log on to our Australian & New Zealand online stores to check out our end of financial year sale!
Sale items for limited time only - The prices below are in Australian Dollars, and include GST
Lesson Plans for Young Children (Hard Copy only): Normally $72 - NOW $50.40
An Introduction to PECS DVD: Normally $72 - NOW $50.40
The Pyramid Approach to Education in Autism: Normally $97 - NOW $82.45
Mini Set (Mini Help, Break and Wait cards): Normally $20 - NOW $18.00
Show and Go School Pack: Normally $31 - NOW $26.35
SoSAFE! Workshop - Melbourne - 6th June
17/05/2011
Our Melbourne SoSAFE! Workshop will still go ahead on the 6th June, 2011
If you are interested in attending this workshop, please register to avoid missing out.
Registrations will be accepted until Monday 30th May, 2011
Upcoming PECS Advanced Training - Sydney - 18 & 19 July
17/05/2011
PECS Advanced Training - St Lucy's School - Sydney
18th & 19th July, 2011
If you missed out on registering for the PECS Advanced Training in Sydney, now is your chance to attend!
Please contact St Lucy's School directly for information and registration.
Rebecca Welsh: rebeccaw@stlucys.nsw.edu.au
Click here for further information & registration form
Victorian Autism Conference 2012 - Have your say!
12/05/2011
Victorian Autism Conference 2012
Knowledge, Understanding and Awareness Across the Spectrum
Owing to the overwhelming success of the Victorian Autism Conference 2010, Autism Victoria has begun making preparations for the Victorian Autism Conference 2012 (VAC 2012) to be held on the 9th and 10th of August 2012.
VAC 2012 promises to be an exciting event with keynote speakers Prof. Tony Attwood, Carol Gray, and Sue Larkey already confirmed.
In preparation for VAC 2012, Autism Victoria would like to seek some feedback from you regarding proposed topics for the sessional speakers in each of the four age streams. Autism Victoria would also love to hear your suggestions as a means of ensuring the conference will meet the broadest range of interests possible.
We ask that you take a few minutes to complete the Autism Victoria survey (see below link) and return to Autism Victoria via email to events@autismvictoria.org.au , post or fax. To ensure Autism Victoria have sufficient time to plan this event we ask that we have your responses by Monday 30th May 2011.
Please visit www.pecsaustralia.com/documents/Autvicsurvey.pdf to veiw topics that were valuable suggestions from delegates who attended VAC 2010, and to take the survey.
PECS Basic Training in Sydney (May) Filling Quickly
05/05/2011
The PECS Basic Training Workshop to be held in Sydney on 30th & 31st May is filling quickly.
If you would like to attend, please register as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Registrations will be accepted until Friday 13th May, or while places in the workshop are still available.
Free PECS Overview Seminar - Melbourne
03/05/2011
Free PECS Overview Seminar
28th May, 2011 - Jacana, Melbourne
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia will be presenting a FREE PECS Overview on 28th May at Northern School for Autism (Jacana Campus). This free PECS overview is appropriate for anyone who would like to learn about the Picture Exchange Communication System including a summary of all six phases, some visuals of PECS in action and how it becomes a functional communication system for the user. This is a three hour overview on PECS. This is not a training seminar, but a brief introduction to PECS. This talk begins with a brief overview of the Pyramid Approach to Education. A description of traditional approaches to communication and an overview of PECS will follow. The consultant will briefly discuss the phases of PECS and outcome data, as well as PECS’ relationship to reinforcement systems, schedules, and behaviour management.
If you would like to come along please visit this link to register. But be quick as places are limited.
New Product: Audio, Visual and Tactile Toy Packs
13/04/2011
Our new Toy Packs are ready for purchase!
Our Toy Packs are back by popular demand. We now have Audio, Visual and Tactile Toy Packs available. Each Toy Pack includes 10 fantastic toys, two sizes of corresponding pictures, an Activity Board, Large Sentence Strip and all the Velcro and Velcoins you will need.
You can view all three Toy Packs at our Australian and our New Zealand online stores.
And don't forget you can use your FaHCSIA funding to purchase Pyramid Australia products, just visit our "FaHCSIA Info" page at www.pecs.com for more information.
The Australian Story – ABC1
12/04/2011
On 7th April Sophie Kerr and Rebecca Wright met Elizabeth Clayton. Elizabeth is the founder of the Happy Home Trust in Fiji - to protect the interests of Sujit Kumar and at-risk boys in Fiji.
Sujit Kumar was confined with chickens from early in his life, and this continued until he was brought into Samabula Old People's Home in Suva. Whilst in the old people’s home Sujit was tied to a bed for the next 22 years, before being released in 2003, and put into therapy. Elizabeth then became Sujit’s legal guardian. You can read more about Sujit and Elizabeth at http://www.happyhometrust.org/ or watch the Australian Story on ABC1 on Monday 18th April at 8:00pm.
Pyramid Educational Consultants has recently become involved in Sujit’s communication intervention. To view videos of Rebecca and Sophie working with Sujit please click here.
Sujit still has a long journey ahead of him in learning communication and self care skills. Donations can be made to the Happy Home Trust via their website http://www.happyhometrust.org/donations
Whyalla Special School is hosting a PECS Basic Workshop
05/04/2011
Whyalla Special School is hosting a PECS Basic Training Workshop to be held at the
Long Street Primary School in Whyalla Norrie on the 19th and 20th May, 2011.
All those interested in attending a PECS Basic Training Workshop in South Australia are welcome to attend.
Please contact Whyalla Special School Principal, Anthony Deane-Shaw for further information:
Email: info@whyallasp.sa.edu.au
Phone: 08 86457261
World Autism Awareness Day - St Kilda, Melbourne
31/03/2011
World Autism Awareness Day – Saturday 2nd April 2011
St Kilda - Melbourne
Come and join me (Erin Hobbin, Operations Director) on Saturday 2nd April to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders by walking along the St Kilda Lower Esplanade with balloons.
To celebrate the individuality of people on the autism spectrum, Autism Victoria will hold an Autism Awareness March through the streets of St Kilda. Every person will be given a coloured balloon to march with, and at the end of the walk the balloons will be released into the sky. After the balloon release you, your families and friends are invited to stay on for a barbecue, and don't forget your buckets and spades so you can participate in building sand castles and sculptures along the beach. All are invited to this free event to help raise awareness and celebrate the uniqueness of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The walk will culminate with a Balloon Release at the Beachcomber Cafe at 11:00am followed by a sausage sizzle and beach fun.
• Meet at Peanut Farm Reserve, St Kilda ready to walk at 10.30am (tea/coffee available)
• Walk along Lower Esplanade to Beachcomber Cafe - balloon release will be at 11:00am
• If you are unable to walk with us, meet us at the Beachcomber Cafe at 10.30am
• Bring your buckets and spades for sandcastle building!
World Autism Awareness Day - Worldwide Events
31/03/2011
The fourth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2011
Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with
unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.
How will you celebrate?
Click here for more information about World Autism Awareness Day, and what is happening near you!
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 5: March, 2011
19/03/2011
Issue 5 of the Pyramid Australia Newsletter is now available for download.
Click here to read our March issue.
Pyramid's Newest App - Working4
19/03/2011
Make a Deal using Working4™ - Pyramid's newest app!
Everyone enjoys being rewarded and, for many students with special needs, visual reinforcement systems are conducive to successful lessons. For those using PECS, or using speech or other means of communication, the addition of visual supports can lead to significant improvements in many aspects of their lives.
Pyramid Educational Consultants is thrilled to announce the launch of Working4™! This app lets students know what they are working for, how much they need to do, and how close they are to earning a reward for their work. This app can be used for lessons in school, chores at home, getting children to eat their veggies, and much more!
Start the app by selecting the number of tokens (1-5) your student must earn. Then set up your student's reinforcer choice board by selecting 1-6 items from our pre-loaded symbol library or your own photo library. Show the choice board to your student to select what to work for and then begin your lesson. Each time a student earns a token, slide a token to the empty dot. Once the student has earned all of his tokens, he can press the "cash in" button, which will highlight the reinforcing item indicating he may now have access to his reward! After the student has cashed in, the token board will reset to start the next deal or you can create a new choice board to allow your student to select a new reinforcer.
Now parents and professionals have the ease of accessing their reinforcement boards through their iPhones, iPads or iPod Touches, and no longer have to worry if they have enough tokens or have remember their student’s reinforcement boards.
Working4™ is now available and can be purchased through Apple® iTunes App Stores worldwide for download on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch! For more information about Working4™, please visit the Apple iTunes App Store and search for “Working4” or contact us at apps@pecs.com.
*Are you a professional looking to purchase Pyramid’s apps for your facility in bulk? Take advantage of Apple’s App Store Volume Purchase Program! The App Store Volume Purchase Program allows educational institutions to purchase iOS apps in volume and distribute the apps to their users. Go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/education/ for more information on this special program.
Pyramid in Poland
19/03/2011
Pyramid Educational Consultants is proud to announce the opening of our newest office in Poland!
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Poland is now open for business and already has multiple PECS Basic Trainings scheduled throughout the country.
For further information, visit www.pecs.com and choose Poland from the menu
Adelaide PECS Intensive Program - April, 2011
01/03/2011
Pyramid Educational Consultants are holding a PECS Intensive Program in Adelaide from April 17th to 21st, 2011.
This Intensive Program will be conducted by Sophie Kerr.
For more information, please visit our PECS Intensive Program page under the Consultation & Services tab at www.pecs.com
Upcoming Sponsored Workshops
20/02/2011
2011 Sponsored Workshops
In addition to our own scheduled workhops for 2011, Pyramid Educational Consultants will be training with other organisations throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to attend the workshops listed below. Please contact the organisation directly to register for sponsored workshops.
You can always check our "Sponsored Workshops" page for any additional upcoming workshops conducted through other organisations.
Victoria
Northern School for Autism
PECS Basic Training Workshop
19th March and 9th April, 2011
If you wish to attend this workshop, please contact Northern School for Autism directly:
Anastasia Hueston - Hueston.Anastasia.A@edumail.vic.gov.au
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
PECS Basic Training Workshop
27th and 28th June, 2011
If you wish to attend this workshop, please contact Autism NT directly:
Tracey Myles - antservices@autismnt.org.au
Phone: 08 8948 4424
Darwin
PECS Basic Training Workshop
3rd and 4th October, 2011
If you wish to attend this workshop, please contact Autism NT directly:
Tracey Myles - antservices@autismnt.org.au
Phone: 08 8948 4424
Discrimination Training DVD Sets on sale
20/02/2011
Now 50% off
Discrimination Training Alternatives 3 DVD Set
Includes Modules 1, 2 and 3
This set is a must have for any professional or personal resource library. Picture discrimination is necessary to increase independence in any environment. This DVD series will provide instructors and parents with a truly valuable tool to achieve this goal! Phase III of the Picture Exchange Communication System teaches picture discrimination. This skill has typically been taught using “match to sample” type lessons. While successful for a few students, this lesson format is difficult for many students because it is not associated with a functional outcome. Phase III of PECS teaches picture discrimination within a very functional and reinforcing context. This three module DVD series targets numerous alternative picture discrimination strategies to utilise if your student has not mastered Phase IIIA. The series briefly reviews the teaching protocol for Phase IIIA and the 4-step error correction procedure. Throughout the three DVDs, instructors and parents learn alterative strategies that are easy to implement and require very little preparation. We discuss and demonstrate three “orientation” strategies to help students who are not looking at the pictures. We provide examples of ways to visually modify the symbols and we discuss successful strategies to be utilised with individuals with visual impairment.
All DVDs are in PAL format.
Discrimination Training DVD Sets can be purchased through our Australian or New Zealand online stores,
or by contacting us at ncullen@pecs.com
B.F Skinner's
15/02/2011
B.F. Skinner's "Verbal Behavior" Books Now Available
Written by B.F. Skinner, 1958, Soft Cover, 478 pages.
This book laid the foundation for the development of the PECS Training protocol. The book presents a systematic functional analysis of language based on the principles of learning. Skinner proposes that verbal behaviour requires an analysis seperate from other behaviour because it does not operate on the environment directly, but rather through other people in a verbal community. He describes several parts of communication defined by their relationship to specific antecedents and consequences, from the simplest features of lanuages to its most complicated aspects. He also stresses that verbal behaviour is defined by its function, not by its form-thus, for example, PECS permits any user to engage in verbal behaviour. Read the chapter by Andy Bondy in the PECS Training Manual, Second Edition (page 4) for a thorough discussion on PECS and Verbal Behavior.
Andy Bondy Presents PECS Basic Training in Korea
03/02/2011
Andy Bondy, Ph.D. presents the PECS Basic Training in Korea!
This December Dr. Andy Bondy had the privilege of hosting Korea's first PECS Basic Training!
Annie Yoon, General Director of Pyramid Educational Consultants of Korea was quoted in a local Korean online news journal describing PECS, "PECS is an AAC (augmentative/ alternative communication) system based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that is used to develop functional communication for individuals with autism, developmental delays and other related disabilities. The system is very effective in increasing vocal communication." Annie Yoon is looking forward to the opening of Pyramid-Korea later this year! The training was attended by over 70 participants, including Professor Jhin hea kyung from Seoul National Mental Hospital and two professionals from the Korean Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis.
Pyramid is looking forward to our newest entity flourishing and offering a range of services to Korea's special needs population.
February Workshops Filling Fast
31/01/2011
Once again, our February workshops are filling quickly. If you would like to attend one of the following workshops, please register as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place.
- Melbourne: PECS Basic Training Workshop, 17th & 18th February 2011
- Brisbane: PECS Basic Training Workshop, 21st & 22nd February 2011
We also expect our Sydney PECS Basic Training Workshop (March) to fill soon.
Pics for PECS™ 2011© CDs Have Arrived!
27/01/2011
Pics for PECS™ 2011© CDs Have Arrived
Pics for PECS™ 2011©, the 10th version in Pyramid’s Pics for PECS™ CD collection is now available for purchase!
This year’s CD has more than 300 new images for a total of over 2,800 pictures! In addition to making pictures for PECS Communication Books, Pics for PECS™ can be used to create printed communication boards, schedules, literacy activities, visual supports and overlays for speech generating devices. The high resolution jpg images can be enlarged to a full page with no loss of clarity and can be used in any software that supports jpg images. New images this year include “chimpanzee,” “smart phone,” “lei,” “bun,” and “thank you” and pictures for your calendars and more images for
health-related activities. The Pics for PECS™ 2011© CD includes a comprehensive picture dictionary for all images, directions for use and grids for using the pictures in Microsoft Word© format. Pics for PECS™ images support both expressive and receptive AAC systems and are appropriate for all ages.
For further information, or to view the 2011 wordlist and a sample page from the Pics for PECS™ 2011© CD, please visit the Pyramid website at www.pecsaustralia.com and choose the Products menu.
For availability of the Pics for PECS™ 2011© CD in other countries and languages, please visit www.pecs.com and select the Pyramid office located closest to you!
R+ Remind™ - iPhone & iPad App
20/01/2011
R+ Remind™
Interested in an app that helps you remember to reinforce good behavior?
Pyramid Educational Consultants is thrilled to announce the release of our newest app for use on Apple® iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, R+ Remind™! This app is perfect for use in busy classrooms to remind all staff to catch your learners "being good!" It was created using research in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and from extensive input from busy educators. R+ Remind™ is a quick and easy way to help educators remember to reinforce good behavior!
To use R+ Remind™, simply open the app, select the average interval time desired and tap “start.” A tone unique to each interval sounds at a variable rate so that you can pause what you’re doing and reinforce a new behavior, the lack of a targeted behavior or even an existing behavior. Each tone is activated on a randomized, variable schedule (the 3-minute tones sounds on average every 3 minutes). R+ Remind™ allows the user to choose from 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15-minute intervals and includes a countdown, allowing the user to glance at the screen to know when the next tone will sound.
R+ Remind™ is now available and can be purchased through Apple® iTunes App Stores worldwide for download on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch! For more information about R+ Remind™, please visit the Apple iTunes App Store and search for “R+ Remind” or contact us at ncullen@pecs.com.
Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade© Now Available
10/01/2011
Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade© Now Available
Do you have the Pics for PECS™ 2010© CD and want access to the latest pictures included on the Pics for PECS™ 2011© CD? Now you can get the newest Pics for PECS™ images for a fraction of the price in just a matter of minutes!
The Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade© is available for download at www.pecs.com and includes more than 300 NEW images to complete your Pics for PECS™ collection. All images are ultra high-resolution jpg images for use in communication books, printed communication boards, schedules, activity boards, literacy activities, visual supports, overlays for speech generating devices or wherever you use visual strategies. New images in the 2011 upgrade package include calendar months and days, more images for health-related activities, holidays, clothing, songs, stories, foods and much more! Look for “please,” “thanks,” “swallow,” “smart phone,” “noisy,” and “reflection.” The Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade© package includes the new 2011 images, a comprehensive picture dictionary and wordlist. Pics for PECS images support both expressive activities and receptive AAC systems and are appropriate for all ages.
This product is available for download only. The Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade© is intended for customers who currently own the Pics for PECS™ 2010© CD and wish to purchase only the newest 300+ ultra high resolution images included on the Pics for PECS™ 2011© CD. If you own an earlier version of the Pics for PECS™ CD, you may still purchase the Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade©. However, the upgrade will include only new images that have been added to the 2011 edition of our CD.
For more information about the Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade©, or to view the Upgrade Wordlist, go to www.pecsaustralia.com and select the Products tab.
For availability of the Pics for PECS™ 2011 Upgrade©, in other countries and languages, please visit www.pecs.com and select the Pyramid office located closest to you!
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 4: December
30/11/2010
Issue 4 of the Pyramid Australia Newsletter is now available for download.
Click here to read our December issue.
Pyramid Australia has Moved!!
18/11/2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia
has Moved!
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia has moved to new offices.
After December 17th please contact us at:
413 Blackshaws Road, Altona North, Victoria, 3025
Phone: +61 3 9314 5374 - Fax: +61 3 9314 8692
.... and a reminder of our Christmas Closures:
Pyramid Office Closures:
December 24th, 2010, and will reopen on January 4th, 2011
Pyramid Products Department Closures:
December 17th, 2010, and will reopen on January 4th, 2011.
Please see our products page for more information.
iPraiseU™ - iPhone and iPad app
09/11/2010
iPraiseU
Pyramid's first iPhone and iPad app. Available now through iTunes
Pyramid Educational Consultants is thrilled to announce the release of our first app for use on Apple® iPhone and iPad, iPraiseU™! This app is perfect for instructors and parents who often struggle to think of praise beyond, "Good job!" or "Well done!" The iPraiseU™ app is a quick and easy way to praise your learners with multiple phrases, by multiple voices! Simply open the app and tap or shake your device to generate one of 100 praise statements. All are general statements appropriate for any positive behaviour at home, school and/or within the community.
iPraiseU™ is now available for purchase through the Apple® iTunes App Store for download on your iPhone or iPad.
Praise statements include:
• How clever!
• Bingo!
• I knew you could do it!
• What an effort!
• You're almost there!
• I’m so proud of you!
Upon user interaction, iPraiseU™ will randomly select a positive praise from its built-in list of one hundred different praise statements. The use of 5 different voices, both male and female, ensures better generalisation as the learner does not become accustomed to hearing praise only from a primary instructor or parent. The recorded voices include those of the co-founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants and the co-creators of the Picture Exchange Communication System™ (PECS), Andy Bondy, Ph.D., and Lori Frost, M.S., CCC-SLP.
While the user can select the audio option, it is also possible to turn off the sound and read the praise statements directly from the screen. As an extra feature, an image is displayed on the screen with each praise statement. A girl dances in the middle of a star and, if the audio is turned on, she dances in time to the statement itself. For those learners who find visual stimulation reinforcing, this can add an extra dimension to the praise being delivered verbally.
User interaction includes either tapping lightly on the screen or selecting the shake option to have the app generate a new praise statement every time the user gently shakes the device*.
Feedback for the iPraiseU™ app can be submitted through the About screen within the app.
To purchase iPraiseU™, please visit the Apple® iTunes App Store and search for “iPraiseU”. For more information about iPraiseU™ or Pyramid Educational Consultants, please contact Narelle Cullen at ncullen@pecs.com.
* Pyramid Educational Consultants is not responsible for broken devices due to excessive shaking.
Christmas Closures
27/10/2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants - Christmas Closures
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia's offices will be closed for the Christmas break from
December 24th, 2010 and will reopen on January 4th, 2011
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia's products department will be closed for the Christmas break from
December 17th, 2010, and will reopen on January 4th, 2011.
All orders received after December 17th, 2010 will be charged at 2011 prices
Please see our products page for more information.
Hurry! Take advantage of our 2010 product pricing.
27/10/2010
The Pyramid Educational Consultants Product Department will be closing for Christmas Holidays on
Friday, December 17th, 2010 and reopening on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011.
Unfortunately, we have had to raise some of our product prices for 2011,
so take advantage of our 2010 product pricing by placing your orders before December 17th, 2010.
All orders received after December 17th, 2010 will not be processed until after the product department
reopens on January 4th, 2011.
All orders received after December 17th, 2010 will be charged at 2011 prices.
Please be patient!
As Christmas draws nearer, the Pyramid Product Department and the Australian Postal Service
experience a higher than normal volume of mail and orders.
Please be patient at this time, as your order may take more than two weeks to arrive.
Please see our website (www.pecs.com) for full details on
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia’s Christmas Closures.
Darwin PECS Intensive Program - July, 2011
27/10/2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants are holding a PECS Intensive Program in Darwin on July 11th to 15th, 2011.
This Intensive Program will be conducted by Lori Frost and Sophie Kerr.
For more information, please visit our PECS Intensive Program page under the Consultation & Services tab at www.pecs.com
NEW PRODUCT - PECS 151 - Revised
27/10/2010
Newly Revised and Updated for Australia!
PECS 151™ - Revised Picture Sets
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia is pleased to announce the update and re-release of it’s popular picture collection to help those with autism and other developmental disabilities communicate with those around them.
The PECS 151™ - Revised Picture Set is a highly colourful collection of pictures and symbols for visual communication for use as part of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The picture set includes some of the most commonly used pictures for PECS. The list of images was compiled over several years by tracking picture vocabulary development of a significant number of new PECS users and include a total of 151 pictures.
Each PECS 151™ - Revised picture is generic and non-specific and is perfect for combining with attributes for precise requests or comments. The illustrations are in full colour, explicit and versatile. Each set contains six Sentence Starter™ icons and twenty beginning attribute icons. The pictures are 2.5cm in size, come printed on rigid paper and are laminated, for added durability. Loop Velcoins© are included to apply to the back of the pictures, which allows them to be used with communication books, schedules, activity boards, and visual reinforcement systems – anywhere you use visual strategies.
Each set has been updated to reflect more current and commonly used pictures. Some of the new images include: “DVD”, “sensory table”, “sand play” and “squishy toys” among others. The revised set now also includes localised images, such as “biscuit”, “sauce”, “backpack” and “sultanas”.
The PECS 151™ - Revised picture sets were created by Lori Frost, M.S., CCP/SLP, the co-founder of Pyramid Educational Consultants and co-creator of PECS. The sets are illustrated by Rayna Bondy, Brad Almond and Karen Kaler.
To download the complete Australian Vocabulary list of the re-released PECS 151™ picture set, visit www.pecs.com and click on the “downloads” tab.
To purchase the PECS 151 – Revised Picture Set, please visit our online store
Pyramid Educational Consultants is a leader in training and products that focus on the initiation of communication and design of effective educational environments. Pyramid’s goal is to provide products that will enable learners to communicate throughout their lives.
Pics for PECS 2010 CDs - 15% OFF!
27/10/2010
Pics for PECS 2010 CDs
On Sale!
Log into the online store and receive 15% off your Pics for PECS 2010 CD
(while stocks last)
Communication Shut Down Fundraiser
14/10/2010
Can you get by without social networks, just for 1 day?
Join us on Nov 1 to help people with autism.
Find out how at http://communicationshutdown.org
Pyramid Newsletter: Issue 3 - Septemeber 2010
30/09/2010
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 3: September, 2010
We hope you enjoy Pyramid Australia's third newsletter for 2010!
In order to keep high quality content in our newsletters, we will now be issuing the newsletter quarterly.
Our final newsletter for 2010 will be our bumper Christmas issue, which will include the first of
Sophie's answers to our readers' questions.
If you would like to submit a question for Sophie, or would like to subscribe to the newsletter distribution,
please email Narelle at ncullen@pecs.com
Visit www.pecs.com and click on the Support & News tab to read Issue 3
Find It Beanbags Now Available!
18/09/2010
Our Find It Beanbag Activities Are Back!
Find It Beanbag Activities are available in both a Food and Animal theme.
Our theme-based beanbags designed for students to hold and explore. Each bag contains several hidden objects that encourage fine-motor manipulation and commenting. With the help from the teacher, students can poke, prod and shake the bags, and as the pellets shift, new objects are revealed in the see-through window. With each ever-changing glimpse, students can use the included Activity Board and pictures to comment on what they see. Each kit contains a beanbag made of soft velour, 15 different items in each beanbag, an Activity Board with hook Velcro® to use with the corresponding vocabulary, Sentence Starters, a large Sentence Strip™ and a detailed activity plan with expansion activities.
Please click the below link for more information on our Find It Beanbag Activities:
Australian Online Store - PECS Activities
New Zealand Online Store - PECS Activities
2011 Workshop Information Now Online
08/09/2010
Pyramid 2011 Workshop Information Now Online
You can now register and pay for Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia's 2011 workshops online
It is as easy as choosing the workshop you wish to attend and filling in your registration and billing details. You will then be directed to PayPal where you can pay your workshop fees.
Click here to visit our Workshops Listing page
You can also print a registration form and send it in to us,
or just fill out the registration form online and click the submit button.
Click here for our registration forms
Workshops Filling Fast!
18/08/2010
Our October PECS Basic Training Workshops are filling quickly.
Please register early to avoid missing out!
Sydney - 18th & 19th October, 2010: PECS Basic Training Workshop
Melbourne - 22st & 22nd October, 201: PECS Basic Training Workshop
To register and pay online using PayPal, please click on the appropriate link below:
Sydney PECS Basic Training Workshop - October, 2010
Melbourne PECS Basic Training Workshop - October, 2010
To register by fax, mail or email, please download a registration form by clicking this link
PECS Basic Training to be held in Cairns
16/08/2010
Hurry, registrations closing soon!
Good News for those in the Cairns region!
Pyramid Educational Consultants are sponsoring a
PECS Basic Training Workshop in Cairns
on September 2 & 3, 2010
The workshop will be held at
Wuchopperen Health Service
13 Moignard Street
Manoora, Cairns
Families with access to FaHCSIA funding may use this funding for their workshop fees.
If you would like further information, or would like to register for this workshop please click on the below link.
PECS BASIC TRAINING WORKSHOP - CAIRNS - SEPTEMBER, 2010
PECS Newsletter - Issue 2: July, 2010
30/07/2010
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 2: July, 2010
Visit www.pecs.com and click on the Support & News tab to read the Pyramid Australia Newsletter.
You can subscribe to the newsletter by emailing SUBSCRIBE to ncullen@pecs.com
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 2: July, 2010
Victorian Autism Conference, 2010
29/07/2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia P/L
will be at the
VICTORIAN AUTISM CONFERENCE - 2010
Promoting Positive Practice Across The Spectrum
at Rydges Bell City Hotel in Preston
Thursday the 5th and Friday the 6th of August 2010.
www.victorianautismconference.com.au
The Victorian Autism Conference will attract 2000 participants; 500 in metropolitan Melbourne and 1500 across regional Victoria. In a first of its kind, this two day event will be streamed live across the state to a number of ‘satellite’ centres to facilitate the participation of these regional delegates. Targeted at families, individuals and professionals with an interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the conference aims to provide practical strategies and information to enhance the quality of life of families and individuals affected by ASD.
Pyramid Australia’s Clinical Director, Sophie Kerr will be presenting a PECS Overview at 3:30pm on Thursday 5th August, 2010 as part of the “Primary Age” category at the Victorian Autism Conference. If you are attending on Thursday, please download a program at the conference website for details.
Pyramid will also have a stall at the conference where we will be giving away PECS prize packs and will have some of our products on display. Sophie and Erin will be at our stall for the two days, so please pop in and say hello, they would love to see you there!
Lesson Plans now available as a download
06/07/2010
The Pyramid Approach: Lesson Plans for Young Children - Volume One
Now available as a download from our online stores.
You can purchase the download by visiting our online store, please click on the below link.
Download option only available when your purchase is made using PayPal
Lesson Plans Download - Australian Store - AUD$38.50 (inc GST)
Lesson Plans Download - New Zealand Store - NZD$49.00 (inc GST)
Woodbury School PECS Basic Training
09/06/2010
Woodbury School are holding a PECS Basic Training Workshop on the 3rd & 4th July, 2010.
This workshop is open to everyone, so if you missed out on the last PECS Basic Training held in Sydney, here is your chance to attend.
Please visit Woodbury School's PECS Training page for details on workshop costs, location and times at http://sites.google.com/site/woodburypecstraining/Home
To register, please download a registration form from the Woodbury School website (under the "PECS Workshop Information" tab), and email it to ncullen@pecs.com
Good news if you have FaHCSIA funding - you can attend this workshop using your HCWA funding.
Please note that workshop fees will be deducted from your funding AFTER COMPLETION OF THE WORKSHOP.
PECS Newsletter - Issue 1: May 2010
13/05/2010
Pyramid Australia Newsletter
Visit www.pecs.com and click on the Support & News tab to read the first issue of the Pyramid Australia Newsletter.
You can subscribe to the newsletter by emailing SUBSCRIBE to ncullen@pecs.com
Pyramid Australia Newsletter - Issue 1: May 2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants Introduces Newest Addition to Pyramid Approach Series
14/04/2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants Introduces Newest Addition to
Pyramid Approach Series
Pyramid Educational Consultants (www.pecs.com), the world’s premier educational developmental training organisation, is pleased to announce the successful launch of its new Pyramid Approach Basic Training and the dates for future training sessions.
Developed by Pyramid’s co-founder, Andy Bondy, Ph.D., and associates Amanda Reed, B.App. Sc., M.A., Anthony Castrogiovanni, Ph.D., and Anne Overcash, M.Ed., the newest of the Pyramid Approach Series training programs – The Pyramid Approach Basic Training – was launched on January 25 and 26, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The program was an immediate success with participants.
Tailored for teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, paraprofessionals, and parents, caregivers, and others who work with individuals who have special learning needs, the new Pyramid Approach Basic Training that focuses on the Pyramid Approach to Education provides a comprehensive framework for establishing effective learning environments – anywhere and everywhere – and the foundation for a positive environment for growth. The Pyramid Approach Basic Training emphasises how to teach, rather than simply what to teach. The net result of this process is a high-level learning outcome that encourages independence and cooperation, improves behaviour, and reinforces communication in the home, school and the community.
The Pyramid Approach Basic Training is perfect for anyone who wants to better understand how individuals learn – and therefore how to teach them. Using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the Pyramid Approach to Education emphasises the importance of functional objectives that directly address skills the learner needs to perform in his or her daily environment, and provides powerful reinforcement systems to promote learning and performance of those skills. In addition, the Pyramid Approach to Education focuses on the management of contextually inappropriate behaviours.
Participants that attend the Pyramid Approach Basic Training learn about:
• Using motivational strategies and powerful reinforcers
• Teaching functional communication skills
• Creating opportunities for learning
• Teaching techniques (prompts, shaping, correcting errors)
• Managing challenging behaviour
• Evaluating Progress
As part of the Pyramid Approach Basic Training, each participant receives a free copy of The Pyramid Approach to Education in Autism, by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. and Beth Sulzer-Azaroff, Ph.D.
The Pyramid Approach Basic Training consists of thirteen contact hours spread across two-days. The schedule for the remainder of the year is now set for:
Melbourne, Victoria - 6th & 7th May, 2010
Sydney, New South Wales - 13th & 14th September, 2010
Brisbane, Queensland - 16th & 17th September, 2010
Auckland, New Zealand - 20th & 21st September, 2010
For more information or to sign up for any session, contact Erin Hobbin, at ehobbin@pecs.com or call +61 3 93916122. To host this training onsite, contact Erin Hobbin. To register and securely pay for a workshop online, visit www.pecs.com and click on the training tab
About Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia
Pyramid Educational Consultants is a leader in training and products that focus on the initiation of communication and design of effective educational environments. The Pyramid Approach Series includes Training and Seminars, Self-Study, Consultation, and Certification. The mission of Pyramid Educational Consultants is to provide exceptional behaviour analytic and communication consultation and training to support educators, professionals, families and caretakers in teaching and caring for individuals with learning difficulties. Functional and practical interventions using the full spectrum of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) are used to teach individuals how to communicate, function independently, and be successful in their schools, homes, places of employment, and community.
New Product - Standard Insert Page Dividers
06/04/2010
We have added Standard Insert Page Dividers to our Australian and New Zealand online stores
Standard Insert Page Dividers – Set of six
The Standard Insert Page Dividers are made of thick, durable polyvinyl. Each page measures 21.5cm x 16.5cm.
The Pages are sold in a set of six. Each set includes an assortment of colours and have a uniquely located colour-coded tab for easy page turning. Velcro® sold separately.
Also available are our original Standard Insert Pages (without tabs), which are sold in sets of five – please see Standard Insert Pages (LIPG)
PECS in Saudi Arabia
11/03/2010
PECS in Saudi Arabia
In mid February, Gary Dadd and Louise Malkin from Pyramid Educational Consultants UK presented a PECS Basic Training in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A news article about PECS and the training was printed in the Arab News on February 16th. Below are links to the news article in English and Arabic.
Article printed in the Arab News (16 Feb, 2010) - English
Article printed in the Arab News (16 Feb, 2010) - Arabic
Register Online for Workshops
10/03/2010
You can now register for our workshops online!
You can now register and pay for Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia's workshops ONLINE!
It is as easy as choosing the workshop you wish to attend and filling in your registration and billing details. You will then be directed to PayPal where you can pay your workshop fees.
NEW-PECS Related Research
09/03/2010
NEW-PECS Related Research Available
Our Research page has been updated to include 19 NEW research publications related to PECS. The complete list of new publications is listed below.
For more information or to view the full list of PECS Related Research, please click here.
Carre A., Le Grice, B., Blampied, N., & Walker, D. (2009). Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) Training for young children: Does training transfer to school and to home? Behaviour Change, 26, 54-65.
Carre A., Le Grice, B., Blampied, N., & Walker, D. (2009). Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) Training for young children: Does training transfer to school and to home? Behaviour Change, 26, 54-65.
Chaabane, D., Alber-Morgan, S., & DeBar, R. (2009). The effects of parent-implemented PECS training on improvisation of mands by children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 671-677.
Conklin, C. & Mayer, G.R. (2010). Effects of implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with adults with developmental disabilities and severe communication deficits. Remedial and Special Education (Online First).
Dooley, P., Wilczenski, F. & Torem, C. (2009). Using an activity schedule to smooth school transitions. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions, 3. 57-61.
Fillipin, M., Reszka, S. & Watson, L. (2010). Effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on communication and speech for children with autism spectrum disorders: A Metanalysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. (Online version).
Fujimoto, Y. & Isawa, S. (2007). The practical study on approach to secondary disorders in student with autistic disorder at school for children with mental retardation: Effect of individualized schedule and applied PECS, Hattatsu Shinri Rinsyo Kenkyu, 13, 129-135.
Ganz, J., Sigafoos, J., Simpson, R., & Cook, K. (2008). Generalization of a picture alternative communication system across instructors and distance. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 24, 89-99.
Hart, S. & Banda, D. (2009). Picture Exchange Communication System with individuals with developmental disabilities: A meta-analysis of single subject studies. Remedial and Special Education (Online First), XX, 1-13.
Isshiki, M., Ishiyama, A., Yoshida, S., Hisatake, Y., & Terada, S. (2008). A complex effect of PECS and cognition intervention for autism spectrum disorder, Bulletin of the Faculty of Education, Kochi University, 68, 73-82
Jurgens, A., Anderson, A. & Moore, D. (2009). The effect of teaching PECS to a child with autism verbal beahviour, play, and social functioning. Behavior Change, 26, 66-81.
Kuma, H., Takeuchi, Y., Hara, Y., Naoi, N., Yamamoto, J., Takahashi, K., Iijima, K., Saito, U., Watanabe, S., Haramaki, S., & Bondy, A. (2009). On Current Research and Practice on Autism and Communication in Japan, Japanese Journal of Behavior Analysis, 24, 82-101.
Kuramitsu, A. Tyou, K. & Sonoyama, S. (2008). Shaping Mand Behavior by Home-based Communication Training Using PECS for a Child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Japanese Journal of Disability Science, 32, 159-171.
Lerna, A., Esposito, D., Russo, L. & Massagli, A. (2009). The efficacy of the PECS for improving the communicative, relational and social skills in children with autistic disorder: Preliminary results. European Psychiatry, 24, Supplement 1.
Park, J.H. (2009). The effects of mother-implemented Picture Exchange Communication System training on spontaneous communicative behaviors of young children with autism spectrum disorders. (Doctoral Dissertation, Ohio State University).
Parker, A.T. (2009). Measuring an adapted form of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) for young children with visual impairments and developmental disabilities. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas Tech University. http://etd.lib.ttu.edu/theses/available/etd-06032009-203503
Preissler, M.A. (2008). Associative learning of pictures and words by low-functioning children with autism. Autism, 12, 231-248.
Preston, D, & Carter, M. (2009). A review of the efficacy of the Picture Exchange Communication System Intervention. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 39, 1471-1486.
Stahmer, A. & Ingersoll, B., (2004). Inclusive programming for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: Outcomes from the Children’s Toddler School. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 6, 67-84.
Alice Springs Consults Available
18/02/2010
Pyramid Australia's consultant Sophie Kerr will be available for consultations in
Alice Springs from 13th May, 2010 through to 16th May, 2010.
To make an appointment with Sophie, you can either email us, or call us directly on 03 93916122.
Click here for more information on Sophie Kerr
NEW Mini Sets, Help and Break cards
17/02/2010
Our new and improved Mini Sets, Help cards and Break cards are now manufactured with a special
protective UV coating.
The protective coating makes our cards more durable, enabling them to withstand constant handling for even longer.
If you would like to order any of our cards, or any other products online, please click one of the links below:
Australia & Asia Online Store
New Zealand Online Store
You can send us feedback about our new cards by emailing us
Pyramid Australia now on Facebook!
03/02/2010
Pyramid Educational Consultants of Australia now have a page on Facebook.
We invite you all to become a friend, please click this link to visit our page.
February PECS Basic Training Workshops filling fast!
28/01/2010
The PECS Basic Training Workshops to be held in February are filling quickly!
Register now to avoid missing out on a place in the following workshops:
- Melbourne PECS Basic Training Workshop to be held on the 15th & 16th February, 2010
- Brisbane PECS Basic Training Workshop to be held on the 18th & 19th February, 2010
Click this link to download a registration form
The NEW Pyramid Approach Basic Training Workshop
25/01/2010
Register now to receive an Early Bird Discount
Pyramid Approach Basic Training Workshop
The Pyramid Approach to Education is a comprehensive framework for establishing effective learning environments. Through the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), this approach provides the foundation for a positive environment for growth. The Pyramid emphasises how to teach, rather than simply what to teach, in order to maximise an individual's learning outcomes.....
click here for the full workshop description and workshop dates
Pics for PECS 2010 Upgrade now available for download
20/01/2010
Do you have the Pics for PECS™ 2009© CD and want access to the latest pictures included on the Pics for PECS™ 2010© CD? Now you can get the newest Pics for PECS™ pictures for a fraction of the price in just a matter of minutes!
The Pics for PECS™ 2010 Upgrade© is available for download and includes more than 250 NEW picture symbols to complete your Pics for PECS™ collection. All images are ultra high-resolution jpg images for use in communication books, schedules, activity boards, visual reinforcement systems, or wherever you use visual strategies. New images included in the 2010 upgrade package include personal care items, community workers, reinforcers for older learners and foods. Look for “craisins”, “video game system”, “muesli”, “it hurts”, and “I’m bleeding”. The Pics for PECS™ 2010 Upgrade© package includes the new 2010 images, a comprehensive picture dictionary and wordlist..
This product is available for download only! The Pics for PECS™ 2010 Upgrade© is intended for customers who currently own the Pics for PECS™ 2009© CD and wish to purchase only the newest 250+ ultra high resolution picture symbols included on the Pics for PECS™ 2010© CD. If you own an earlier version of the Pics for PECS™ CD, you may still purchase the Pics for PECS™ 2010 Upgrade© for download. However, the upgrade will include only new picture symbols that have been added for the 2010 edition of our CD.
Please Note: Download available only with payment via PayPal
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Pics for PECS 2010 now on Sale!
19/01/2010
Our 9th version of Pics for PECS™. This year's CD has over 200 new images for a total of over 2400! The images are all high -resolution jpg images for use in communication books, schedules, activity boards, visual reinforcement systems or wherever you use visual strategies. New images this year include more personal care items, community workers, reinforcers for older students and foods. Look for "craisins", "video game system", "muesli"," It hurts" and "I'm bleeding". We include a comprehensive picture dictionary of every symbol on the CD and grids for using the pictures in Microsoft Word® format.
Click here to order from our Australia & Asia Shop
Click here to order from our New Zealand Shop