Copy of Talking Mats Foundation Training: Details and Registration

Talking Mats Virtual Foundation Training

If you are on the wait list you will be receiving the emails announceing the opening of the trainings for registration.

Join the wait list if you haven't already at this link.

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We have a few places remaining on the course starting Thursday February 23rd 2023 with session 2 being held on Thursday March 23rd. 

This course will close for registrations on Monday 20th at midnight.

Full course details are below.

To register: 

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Learn this award winning, evidence-based communication tool to help people with communication difficulties to:

  • express their views about things that matter to them

  • organise and express their thoughts

  • with supported decision-making 

  • set goals

  • and so much more.

Three women sitting at a table, having coffee.

    Join our virtual training from anywhere in Australia.                         

    This course combines our favourite elements which are:

    • completing the training in under 7 hours (excluding the video project)
    • an interactive small group format
    • the shared and self video reflection session

     Why Training? It Looks Easy 

    Talking Mats may seem like a simple tool, but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. To become an effective "listener" using Talking Mats, you can gain the necessary skills and strategies in the Foundation Training.

    During this training, those attending learn special strategies and the Talking Mats principles that help to facilitate communication using this tool.  So while Talking mats may look easy, the training ensures the integrity of the evidence-base and provides a highly effective and versatile tool for communication. 

    What's Included

    • Live online training with experienced Licenced Trainer/s from Talking Mats Australia, in an interactive small group format
    • 2 x half day sessions 3 to 5 weeks apart (+ video project) 
    • We send you one special resource to use for the training called "Free Time" + a mat
    • Talking Mats eBook
    • A certificate upon passing. 
    • Join the global Talking Mats community
    • Ongoing purchase of resources at the special price for trained members
    • Eligibility to purchase the advanced resources [Keeping Safe, Thinking Ahead and Eating & Drinking]
    • Access to the available online courses relating to select advanced resources
    • Eligibility to apply to apply for the Licensed Training

    A woman and boy sitting at a table, using talking mats on a tablet device.

    This course will help you to: 

    1. Understand the Talking Mats communication framework
    2. Have increased awareness of your own communication style
    3. Use Talking Mats to better support people with communication difficulties
    4. Use a tool which evidences your commitment to person centered working.

    Course Details:

    You learn about the background and evidence-base of Talking Mats, in an interactive online format where you share ideas and the experience of the group.  Between session 1 and session 2 you start using Talking Mats for your video project which is an essential part of the course. Video yourself and a client doing a Talking Mat using the Free Time resource and use the self-reflection template.The reflective practice in session 2 brings together the experiences of the group and the most common feedback is "I learned so much from watching everyones' videos".  

    To successfully complete the training, online attendance and participation with 'cameras on' is how we aim to achieve a vibrant virtual setting to parallel the in-person training. To successfully pass the course here's what's needed:

    • full attendance to both sessions
    • your contribution in both sessions
    • timely submission of a Talking Mats video one week before the second session

    What Happens Once you Register

    • We send you the course confirmations and a Tax Invoice.
    • We confirm your postal address and send the Free Time Resource and your mat to arrive approximately 2 weeks prior to your course start date.
    • You receive the zoom links and reminders for your sessions.
    • Session 1: we meet together online for the session 1 content.  This is a mics on and cameras on session and we get to know each other and contribute from our various perspectives. We finish with details about how to make your video.
    • After session 1 you prepare for your video session and the go ahead and meet with your "thinker"to record your Talking Mats session, with appropriate permissions in place. 
    • Upload your video according to the instructions provided, usually to arrive one week prioir to your second session.
    • We review all videos and plan session 2. If there are any concerns about how the Talking Mats principles have been demonstrated in the video we will be in touch as we very much want to support you to pass the course. 
    • Session 2: we meet for session 2 which is predominantly the video reflection segment plus some additional content.
    • Upon completing all elements successfully, your Talking Mats Foundation Training certificate will be issued.
    • We will advise Talking Mats U.K. of your successful completion and your details will be added to the international list of those Foundation Trained.
    • After succesfully completion you will be able to purchase resources at the "trained" price and explore the advanced resources, and attend the related online trainings offered by Talking Mats in U.K.  (You will be asked to approve this sharing of your details in your registration). 
    • We will also advise you of the licensed training opportunities in case you wish to train others. 

    Cancellation and Course Incomplete

    The cancellation terms appear on the registration page when you click through to register.  Please read these carefully.

    Sometimes there is a problem with attendance at the session 2, or the video cannot be completed. We understand that life sometimes intervenes and it is not possible to complete the course.  If it is necessary to complete the second session with a different group or at a specially scheduled session there is an additional fee for this ($220 incl $20 GST).  As our courses are usually fully subscribed it is problematic to schedule changes but we can make it happen if necessary, but we do need to charge for this. 

    2023 Training Calendar

    (attendance at both sessions is required to complete the training) 

      [If you prefer self-paced online learning you are looking for the Online Training at this link.  This is 4 modules to be completed over 6 weeks. This course is run by Talking Mats in U.K. [We are not offering this format this year].  

        Registrations close: two weeks prior to start or when fully booked. These courses usually sell out to our wait list,  so please be on the list, and also our Facebook page (in case your email has changed) to be notified that the email has gone out. 

        Course Format
        (attendance at both sessions is required to complete the training)

        Times: shown as (MEL/SYD time) and will be the same timings for both sessions

        Location: Online with Zoom.  

        Number of places: 8 to 14 (this number is shown in the registration page below the date).

        Price: $462 (incl $42 GST)

        Talking mats symbol for Takking mats. Two figures sitting at a table with a talking mat