July 2013

East Hume Regional Communication Service Newsletter

Supporting people with complex communication needs

In this edition:
Latest news Upcoming events Positions vacant iPad app of the month
Whats been happening? It has been a busy few months in the East Hume RCS world. We have been working on many new and exciting projects including:

EHCN
East Hume Communication Coordinator Network

Developing a Communication Coordinators Network in the region see below for details.

Developing partnerships with community organisations such as Wangaratta Autism Communities of Practice, Community Volunteers

Program and local councils we have been giving presentations and attending meetings in order to support people who have complex communication needs. Making Communication Boards for businesses gyms in Wangaratta and Wodonga and

organisations around the area including the YMCA

Transport accessibility in Wodonga/Albury. We are working with the Wodonga and Albury taxi and bus companies to develop communication boards and training to all drivers.

Supporting a group of local Allied Health Assistant students to promote the use of AAC in the community. We have developed communication boards and education packages which will be promoted in the Wodonga/Albury region.

Conducting interviews with people who have complex communication needs to investigate the challenges they face in our community. This will assist us to

deliver services in the community which are helpful for individuals who have trouble communicating. As well as out projects, we have also been helping clients find an Alternative or Augmentative Communication (AAC) Device to suit their needs. We have been doing lots of education to clients and their families regarding the use of iPads as AAC devices versus specially made AAC devices.

Whats on?
The East Hume Regional Communication Service are recruiting individuals to join the Communication Coordinator Network in the East Hume Region. Research Concludes: A Communication Coordinator Network is considered the most appropriate long term sustainable intervention option for the development of a communication strategy for individuals in disability services (Bloomberg & Tatt, 2011) This project involves: Training interested workers in Day Services and Supported Accommodation to become Communication Coordinators. The training will involve up to 6, 1 day workshops over a 2-3 month period and will focus on learning about communication assessments (e.g. Triple C) and interventions (e.g. speech generated devices; communication boards, visual timetables etc) Ongoing Speech Pathology support offered through client observations, e-mail and phone support and communication coordinator network meetings

Your commitment will involve: Attendance at 6 selected training/workshop days Allocating regular weekly release time from regular duties to focus on Communication Coordinator Role Purchasing key resources (Triple C, boardmaker etc) to support Communication Coordinators. If you or someone you know are interested in being a part of this exciting new network, please contact us!

Positions Vacant:

Do you work with people who have Communication Disability?

We are seeking people with Communication Disability to become Communication Assessors. This role will involve assessing businesses and organisations to obtain the Communication Access Symbol. Assessors will be paid for conducting assessments. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please contact us for further information by 28th August 2013.

iPad Apps and resources:

Visual Schedule Planner The iPad has some cleaver apps that can help clients with cognitive difficulties. Visual Schedule Planner is available on the iPad. It can be used to help clients needing support to organise and sequence activities in their day. $15.99. For more information, go to:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/visual-scheduleplanner/id488646282?mt=8

The app is available for purchase at

TapSpeak Button Turns your iPhone or iPad into a single message communication device/switch. Allows user to record a number of messages and store them which can then be pulled up again later. Has an option of tap feedback when the switch is pressed.

Until next time Thanks for reading!!

Contact us to:
Talk to us about our service Learn about the different ways to communicate Develop communication strategies so that everyone can access your business or organisation Receive advice about communication Receive training about communication strategies and interventions

Contact us: Kelsey Graves, Speech Pathologist PO Box 224, Wangaratta 3676 (03) 5723 2074 easthume.rcs@ovensandking.org.au