Therapy services include the following:
- Assessment of the individual
- Intervention such as skills development
- Staff Training to develop effective and efficient "teams"
- Assistance in devising and reviewing communication systems
- Standards Implementation to provide communication support for the unit
- Follow up consultation services
The purpose of our therapy services is to provide Augmentative Alternative Communication services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or additional disabilities (e.g. physical, sensory disabilities). It is expected that through the provision of our services it will have a direct and positive effect on their ability to participate as active and effective communicators with a greater number of people in a variety of environments. We also aim to support the communication partner (person that interacts with the individual) to become an effective communicator by developing an understanding of how the individual communicates and how to best communicate with them. Therefore, creating an interactive and responsive environment for both the individual and the communication partner.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) refers to the use of aids or techniques, which enable an individual to communicate when methods such as speech are not sufficient. AAC comes in many forms ranging anywhere from a sophisticated electronic device to use of simple gestures. There are 3 types of Augmentative Alternative Communication systems that an individual can use to communicate Unaided AAC systems consist of a system that does not require any aids or electronic devices e.g. speech, gestures, signing etc. Low Tech Aided AAC systems refers to a symbol system that requires some type of external aid e.g. pictures, object symbols. High Tech Aided system require some type of electronic device that can help the individual communicate e.g. Big Mack and Macaw are voice output communication devices.
Every individual is unique and so the communication system needs to be highly individualized. Factors such as the age of the individual user, the nature of the disability, and the user's environmental demands are some of the important considerations that need to be taken into account when selecting a successful communication system for the individual in their environment. The process of helping the individual develop communication skills starts with the evaluation of the individual's needs, then a communication system is selected and on an ongoing basis it is reexamined and reevaluated as the communication needs of the individual and the environment change.
