Our story
Connect Ability (formerly known as Let’s Talk) is a Hawke’s Bay Speech-Language Therapy practice, established and managed by Vanessa Parmar, a registered Speech-Language Therapist and Credentialed Communication Assistive Technology Assessor. We are based in Napier and provide services across Hawke’s Bay in homes, schools, early childhood centres and vocational settings.
The foundation of our practice is the belief that everyone has the right to communicate. Our vision is to be part of a world where everybody has a voice and the power to be understood, and this is what drives us as we work with people of all ages to develop their communication skills.
Whakawhanaungatanga - the act of building relationships - is at the heart of everything we do. While our therapeutic services are highly professional, we believe a more personal approach can build a rapport from which great breakthroughs can be achieved. So, we take the time to develop a connection with individuals, and everyone who supports them. It’s a partnership based on respect and trust, where everyone’s wishes and opinions are valued.
“I found Vanessa to be very proactive in dealing with problems to find solutions. Vanessa is a very understanding person and cares about the clients she works with. I would highly recommend Vanessa. ”
We can help you with
Assistive Technology for Communication
Connect Ability is the only private speech-language therapy practice in Hawke’s Bay that specialises in Assistive Technology. As such, we can identify the technological resources that will best suit each individual. We can even advise on funding options that are available to pay for this technology.
We have an amazing team to help you with your communication needs
Our Team
Vanessa Parmar
Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) and Communication Assistive Technology Assessor
Vanessa gained her SLT qualification in the UK in 2003. Vanessa specialises in supporting children and adults with complex learning and communication disorders resulting from developmental disabilities. Vanessa blends skill with empathy in helping people who have no spoken language, or significant limitations with their spoken language.
Because Vanessa is so committed to providing individuals with their own "voice" she isn’t afraid to think outside the square and employ innovative methods. As an example, she is the only independent Speech-Language Therapist in Hawkes Bay specialising in the use of Assistive Technology for Communication.
Vanessa is currently a board member of Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand and the Charitable Trust - Social Circle Action for Autism Tauhāpai Takiwātanga. She is also a registered member of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association
Jennie Roberton
Therapy Assistant
Jennie works with individuals and their support teams to implement standard SLT therapy plans, under guidance of the SLT.
Jennie has worked with children and young adults with disabilities in education settings for 11 years. Her empathy and kindness allow her to manage challenging behaviour and follow specific programmes and strategies as recommended by specialists. Her love of crafts and music is often employed to great effect during her therapy sessions.
Laura Halligan
Music Therapist
Laura is a Registered Music Therapist with more than seven years of experience working in special education, mental health, dementia and palliative care.
Music therapists draw on the powerful qualities of music to meet personal needs, support learning, and promote healing and change. Within a therapeutic framework, Laura uses shared musical experiences to work towards specific non-musical goals which can have a communication, cognitive, physical, social and emotional focus. Laura sings, plays guitar and piano and uses other musical and non-musical instruments to achieve significant communication breakthroughs in a very different and harmonious way.
Mandy Anderson
Administration
Mandy joins us from Innov8 Bookkeeping Services. As an ICNZB Certified Bookkeeper, and with 15 years of experience in administration roles, Mandy will ensure your client experience is a smooth one.
What staff say
“Thank you so much for everything. Vanessa made the transition for me "being the newbie" easy as a transition worker. Instead of being something to worry about, Vanessa made it enjoyable and fun. I cannot thank you enough for all your support and encouragement not only for our young man but for me as his support person as well. Now he can communicate effectively. I know that without your help he would not be the confident young man he is today”
Mel, support staff
