Love Patience Perseverance

Teaching With Alternative Communication

Who We Are

Nova Hubs are small learning centres for non-speaking children with complex communication needs who have not yet found an appropriate place within the school system. Nova provides access to meaningful learning opportunities, including communication, reading and writing.

Learners at Nova communicate in different ways. They may use facial expression, movement, gesture, vocalisation, eye gaze, body-based signals, communication books, symbol systems, or speech-generating technology. These forms of communication are recognised, supported and developed throughout the day.

At Nova, we work from three core beliefs:

English, supported by AAC, is the shared language of Nova. Adults speak naturally with learners while also using their AAC systems. This is known as modelling: communicating through spoken language and AAC at the same time, so that learners see and hear language being used for real purposes.

Why Nova?

The name Nova was chosen to reflect her hopes we have for our children.

A nova is a star that becomes brighter. The name speaks to Nova’s purpose of creating accessible learning opportunities for non-speaking children with significant disabilities, so that they can develop communication, literacy and participation in ways that are meaningful to them.

Nova is built on the expectation that every learner can play a more active and autonomous role in their own lives.

What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, includes all the ways a person can communicate other than speech alone. This may include facial expression, gesture, body movement, eye gaze, signs, photographs, symbols, communication books, letter boards, speech-generating devices and partner-assisted scanning.

At Nova, AAC is integrated into every part of the learning day. Adults use spoken English alongside AAC while teaching, reading, playing, exploring, making choices, asking questions and participating in routines. Learners are supported to use their own communication methods to take part in literacy, numeracy, life skills, conversation and social interaction. AAC is not treated as a separate activity. It is the means through which learners access language, learning and participation.

What Our Parents Say

Nova has been the best decision we have made for Jaden. The focus on AAC for communication, the individual attention, safe environment, caring staff & normalcy put into the school to make the kiddies & parents feel like our special kids can also be involved in activities other kids are doing at "normal" schools. I feel at ease when we drop Jaden off at school knowing that he is well taken care of. Love Nova!

Where difference is embraced and communication is about more than just using your voice. Our little girl has thrived with the environment created by everyone at Nova.

Since our 5-year-old son started at Nova in January, we have been incredibly grateful for the dedication and warmth of the team. Finding a school that truly understands and supports a child with cerebral palsy can be daunting, but Nova has created a nurturing environment where he is truly thriving. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our lives

Nova is one of the few schools in South Africa to specialize in communication for non-verbal children. Our beautiful son Saafi is non-verbal and has severe cerebral palsy yet he has thrived at Nova. He has friends, an amazing teacher, dedicated therapists, caring assistants and is literally surrounded by earth angels to help him walk this special life journey. He can now spell his name and read out sentences through his eye gazer computer. At school he also swims, does ice skating, horse therapy and has outings. He loves school and the school loves him.

Nova Hub School has given my son something priceless - freedom. More than a school, it is a place where he is valued for his abilities, encouraged to grow, and given the confidence to thrive. Seeing him happy, included, and reaching his potential means everything to us. We are deeply grateful to the wonderful staff for making this possible.

My experience with Nova school has been truly positive. The staff are caring, patient, and dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential. They create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where children with special needs can learn, grow, and build confidence. We have seen our child grow in confidence, develop new skills in communication and become more independent, I am grateful for the commitment and compassion they show every day.

Love Patience Perseverance​