news
Speaking up
S
peech Pathology Australia,
which represents more
than 8,000 speech
pathologists, is campaigning
for national standards on
‘communication access’ for
people with disability.
Communication access is
enabling people with communication
disabilities to get their message
Fletcher, 7, has a
diagnosis of autism
spectrum disorder
that impacts his
ability to speak.
With the help of
speech pathologist
Elizabeth
Lea, of The
Communication
Toolbox, Fletcher
has learned to
use a symbol-
supported app
called Proloquo2Go
to communicate.
across by removing barriers to
communication or providing extra Dixon, said the community had language, giving extra time or using
assistance. failed to accommodate those with a pictures, writing, sign and gesture,
communication disability. or symbols to help. For businesses,
According to Speech Pathology
“Communication disabilities are measures can include clear signage
support needs are more likely to common, and can have devastating including symbols as well as words,
be unemployed or underemployed; effects on people’s ability to work, the use of plain English and staff
have difficulty accessing services get access to services, learn, socialise training.
such as education and healthcare; be and express their point of view,” Ms misdiagnosed; and to be misjudged Dixon said.
Australia, people with communication
as not able to comprehend.
The National President of
Speech Pathology Australia, Gaenor
“How you can help depends on
communication access so everyone
can get their message across.”
linkonline.com.au
getting out of the house,” he said.
“I’ve been learning about road
people their own age while taking safety and road rules through (my)
part in a range of activities, L’s training,” Bayden said. “I’ve also
including sport, cooking, gardening been practicing the L’s test online
and computers. The program through the practice test questions.
is eligible for NDIS funding and
A
to develop national standards on
be rephrasing your question in simple
It offers participants the
new NDIS-inspired
program launched in
Newcastle is allowing
young people living with
disability to connect with each
other and gain valuable life
skills.
believe the best way forward is
the communication difficulty. It might
opportunity to spend time with
Learning for life
“Ultimately, speech pathologists
“I like coming to The Place at
focuses on essential work, social Charlestown, meeting new people,
and life skills, including finding a spending time with staff and
job and managing money. working on getting my L’s. I am
Connexions Newcastle client
Bayden said he joined the program
to get his driver’s learning permit
and to get out of the house.
“(The staff) are friendly and fun.
starting fishing and fitness in the
next few weeks.”
Challenge Community Services
Connexions program is now
available to all Newcastle residents
I like the way they treat me and living with a disability, aged 18
spend time with me. I like hanging to 35, who have low support
out with them, catching up and requirements.
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