What is Assistive Technology for Communication?
Assistive Technology for Communication is the collective term for devices that enable individuals with communication disabilities to express themselves. This form of technology is just one of the different methods and resources we use to help people communicate with others.
Connect Ability is the only private practice in the region that specialises in Assistive Technology, and Vanessa is an accredited assessor.
We use our specialist knowledge and training to ensure the right device is chosen for each individual, and to set it up correctly for maximum benefit. No other private speech-language therapy practice in Hawke’s Bay offers expertise in Assistive Technology to the extent we do.
Jordy’s Journey
Vanessa has been passionate about helping our young man Jordy better his communication. We'd tried many avenues over the years to try and help him with moderate success in some areas. We'd tried Assistive Technology in the past but didn't have the positive results we'd hoped for so were somewhat cautious when Vanessa suggested it. She has been very good at finding the right tools for Jordy to use and it has been the most successful avenue for him to date. She carefully looked at what matched his interests and lifestyle and tested options to see what he preferred. It's heartening to see Jordy making decisions for himself and asking questions which wasn't easily managed in the past.
Ruth, Parent
The power of Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology for Communication can help people do incredible things.
We’ve seen it for ourselves. For example, someone who is unable to speak can use a speech-generating device or an iPad with a specialist communication app to have a “voice” for the very first time. For others, low-tech communication tools might help them to use their own words more effectively. It’s little wonder that Connect Ability is so excited to harness the power of Assistive Technology and give the people we work with the ability to communicate and connect.
Remember, Connect Ability is the only private Speech-Language Therapy in Hawkes Bay that specialises in Assistive Technology. We can give somebody their very own “voice”.
The first step towards that goal is to book your free phone consultation.
We can help with access and funding
Funding for Assistive Technology
Price doesn’t have to be a barrier to accessing this specialised equipment and empowering someone with the ability to communicate.
Assistive technology can be funded by the Ministry of Health for people who meet their criteria. Applications can only be made by accredited assessors like Vanessa, and she’ll ensure your funding submission is complete and stands every chance of success.
Because Connect Ability specialises in Assistive Technology, we will help you trial equipment until you find the right fit. We can provide prompt access to commonly used equipment, or source unconventional technology that usually takes a little longer to attain. Once applications are approved, equipment and accessories belong to the person for life. These items are eligible for repairs and updates as required, all of which is funded.
Assistive Technology Options
Specialist communication apps for iPads
These can have several pages of vocabulary words that can be personalised and combined in a variety of ways. These apps often contain additional features such as text to speech keyboards, and a choice of accents. We have used communication apps including Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, GoTalk Now, and we are able to access many others.
Low-tech communication tools
Such as paper-based communication boards and books. These are often used in conjunction with high-tech devices such as iPads, or for those requiring something that remains static, rather than moving rapidly between different pages.
Speech-generating devices
These can be as simple as a single button to communicate an important message such as “I need help”, through to devices with several buttons which combine to create a range of different messages.
What our parents say
Vanessa is an amazing speech therapist. She put my daughter and myself at ease instantly. She is extremely thorough with all her assessments of our daughter at home & at school. Vanessa also provided support when we had other specialist appointments to deal with, and has always gone above and beyond to help us.
Lisa | Parent
