Safe Care Technologies have teamed up with Irish Speech and Language Therapist – Amy Collins – to develop a suite of resources to help therapists who are looking into Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems in Ireland.
You might be very experienced with AAC or are new to the field, so to help, we have put together some information below for therapists or other professionals who might be looking into using AAC with a client. Our resources will help you decide if AAC may help the individual with our pre-AAC assessment tools. We can then help with further assessments and give them the opportunity to trial one of our devices. We have specific resources and tools for you to track their progress and further evaluate their need for AAC.
These resources have been written with both adults and children in mind. We hope you find them helpful. If you have any questions, please get in touch with one of our team for more guidance.
Step 1. Deciding to pursue AAC with a client
Communication is a vital part of life. Often, people with speech, language and/or motor difficulties are left in silence because they do not have the tools needed to communicate and participate in the world around them. This is where AAC comes in (low tech books and boards, to high tech devices that speak). Find out more about how AAC can help and try the helpful assessment tools to see if AAC is right for your client.
STEP 2: Trialling the right AAC device before buying
If you have used our pre-AAC assessment resources and now feel like AAC has potential for your client, you can arrange an in-person/virtual assessment and a free two week trial of a device. Once your trial is arranged, you can use the resources to help give you tips for a successful trial, as well as data sheets to help you organise and track activities during the trial
Step 3: Buying a Device or Software
If your trial has been successful and you have found the right AAC solution for your client, we can provide you with all the documentation you require for applying for funding or purchase. You can request a quotation below or book a follow-up call to talk through all your possible options.
Step 4: Where to next?
Once you are set up with your device and beginning your communication journey, it’s essential to set and monitor goals. Tobii Dynavox have a range of fantastic resources and software (Pathways for Core First) to help SLTs do this, some of which can be used with both adults and paediatrics. We also have an extensive knowledge base where we continually upload resources and support documentation. Also, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for upcoming webinars and training sessions.
Amy Collins
Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Amy is a highly experienced SLT, working for over 10 years as an SLT in the area of disability. She has worked in Multidisciplinary Teams across the country within the HSE, Daughters of Charity and Enable Ireland. Amy also worked as a Senior SLT in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health in Wellington, New Zealand, for 4 years before returning to Ireland.
Amy has specialised in the areas of Autism and AAC for children and young people with disabilities. She has a particular interest in these areas and works with educators to support children with special needs, and is passionate about supporting every child and young person she works with to achieve their highest potential.
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