ComTEC
What is ComTEC?
ComTEC offers services throughout Victoria to people of all ages with a disability who have communication and technology needs. The ComTEC team consists of speech pathologists and occupational therapists, with expertise in communication and technology for people with disabilities.
Eligibility
ComTEC do not have specific eligibility criteria.
Consumers, families, carers and professionals use ComTEC for:
- simple, practical and effective solutions for people who require support to communicate (these include no/low/high level technology solutions)
- ideas and information on specialised technology
- advice about getting the most from computers and technology
ComTEC services
- Enquiry Service
- ComTEC has highly skilled therapists who can answer your questions about finding technology to suit your needs. Whether it’s trouble shooting or looking for information about particular equipment, the ComTEC enquiry service can assist. We can link you to the Disability Equipment Information Database (DEIS), a comprehensive directory of specialised equipment. You can phone, T.T.Y, post, email or fax your query.
- Individual Advisory Session
- The ComTEC team has the most up-to-date knowledge and equipment to provide you with individual advice and recommendations on the best technology solutions to meet your needs. An advisory session runs for up to two hours and any team members can attend. An individual report can be prepared.
- Individual Advisory Session (client not present)
- These individual appointments have been developed for therapists who want assistance in deciding which equipment might suit a client (the client is not present). The appointment can be up to two hours.
- Display Tour
- These tours are available for any group who want an overview of assistive technology, including communication devices and computer access. The appointment can be up to two hours.
- Electronic Equipment Library
- Choosing the right equipment to meet your needs often requires trialling different items to decide what is best suited to you. The ComTEC Electronic Equipment Library allows you to borrow equipment on short-term loan to trial before purchasing. ComTEC therapists will help you get the most from your loan, by providing you with equipment training and support during the hire period. Hire costs are involved (see fee schedule below). A brief training session is also available prior to each loan.
- Individual Training
- The ComTEC team can meet your training requirements. If you need help to get going with your equipment, ComTEC can provide training at school, home or in the workplace. These sessions are attended by the client and any interested team members.
- Individual Training (client not present)
- The ComTEC team can meet your training requirements. If you need help to get going with your equipment, ComTEC can provide training at school, home or in the workplace. These sessions are attended by team members.
- Early Communication and Switch Training Kits
- A collection of early switches and communication equipment is available for hire for the duration of a school term. These kits have been designed to provide a longer-term trial of simple technology by Early Intervention Centres and schools. Training is provided at the beginning of the trial.
- Technology Open Sessions for Therapists
- This service offers the opportunity for therapists who don't need the assistance of ComTEC staff, to have access to the equipment at ComTEC. Therapists can arrange a suitable time to bring clients to ComTEC in Brooklyn and try equipment in our display area, or to have access to the equipment for self learning. Please contact ComTEC to make a booking to ensure equipment availability.
- Open Session equipment includes: alternate keyboards (eg compact keyboards); mouse options (eg trackballs); a range of switches and basic mounting arms, as well as a selection of electronic communication devices with a range of overlays for programmable devices.
- The Open Sessions are designed for therapists needing no assistance or limited assistance in trying technology with their clients, who wish to look at and try devices in an informal, open access environment. The ComTEC therapist who is on duty answering telephone enquiries will assist in setting you up with the equipment you have booked and can provide information print outs and copies of handout resources.
- Considerations: If a client has a specialised seating system or equipment that they need when using technology, including trays, eyeglasses, switches and mounting systems, bring these along. Separate rooms are not always available. The display area could be used by a number of people during your Open Session. Distraction and noise may be an issue for some clients.
- Professional Development Appointments / Tours
- These sessions are available for therapists who want to develop skills in the application and use of specific assistive technology including communication devices and computer access. The appointment can be up to 90 minutes.
- ComTEC Private
- This service provides assessments, programs, consultation sessions and training to meet your individual needs. Our therapists are highly qualified and have specialised knowledge in communication solutions for people with disabilities.
Online resources
ComTEC has written a variety of information and advisory sheets that are freely available on our web site. These include boardmaker activities, bm2 downloads and handouts on assistive technology options.
Education Program
ComTEC offers training at our Yooralla Brooklyn site or we can come to you. Our workshops are practical and provide participants with skills and information on:
- improving communication for clients in everyday situations
- the use of specialised computer equipment
- the range and application of communication devices
- the use of equipment to control appliances in your environment
Programs can also be tailored to suit your training needs.
ComTEC Education Program
ComTEC offers services throughout Victoria to people of all ages with a disability that seek technology support. We are offering a range of education sessions that target clients with a range of developmental disabilities, including physical disability, language and learning difficulties, intellectual disability and complex communication needs.
The ComTEC Education Program is available for download in a choice of PDF format for printing or an accessible RTF format.
- Download ComTEC Education Program
- ComTEC Education Program [PDF 81.4 KB]
Please contact ComTEC for further information on our workshops or to reserve your place.
Referral and application
- Individual Advisory Sessions
- For referrals for this service please fill out the Client Information Form and return it by post to ComTEC. The form can be download in a choice of PDF format for printing or an accessible RTF format.
- Client Information Form [RTF xx KB]
- Client Information Form [PDF 218 KB]
- Open Session bookings:
- To minimise the chance of equipment being double booked, only one staff member at ComTEC makes the bookings for Open Sessions. When you ring the enquiry line to arrange an Open Session, ComTEC staff will take down the details of your requirements and a therapist will call you back to arrange a suitable date.
- PrAACtically Speaking Video/DVD
- This is a teaching video for people living and working with individuals who have difficulties communicating. The video and accompanying support materials offer a series of practical strategies to help others better understand and communicate with adults with intellectual disabilities. It also offers ideas to help people with communication problems to "speak" for themselves.
- The form can be downloaded in a choice of PDF format for printing or an accessible RTF format.
- PrAActically Speaking Video/DVD Order Form [RTF xx KB]
- PrAActically Speaking Video/DVD Order Form [PDF 86 KB]
Fees
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| TAC / WorkSafe Victoria appointments must have the prior approval of their case manager. | ||||
| Overnight fees (applicable for services provided in locations 2 hours or more from Brooklyn) $125.00 per therapist per night. | ||||
| Freight Expenses (equipment for workshops) as charged by the freight company. | ||||
| Client Appointments |
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| Training/Advisory Sessions on behalf of clients |
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| Client Appointments |
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| Training/Advisory Sessions on behalf of clients |
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| ComTEC Electronic Equipment Library |
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| Early Communication and Switch Training Kits |
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| Open Sessions |
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| Professional Development Sessions (max 2 people) |
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| ComTEC Private |
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| TAC / WorkSafe Victoria |
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| Open Sessions for Therapists |
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| Display Tour (Brooklyn) |
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| Display Tour (off site) |
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WORKSHOPS
These services are tailored to suit individual requirements however a list of possible topics is available if required.
Please contact ComTEC to discuss Workshop modules.
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| 2 hours |
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| Half day |
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| One day |
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| Two days |
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Getting To Us
A wheelchair accessible low floor bus (no. 414 to Laverton South) runs from Paisley Street Terminus near the Footscray Railway Station. Please allow at least ten minutes to get from the train station to the bus stop. The bus stop is located directly in front of the Yooralla Brooklyn building which houses the I.L.C. Buses depart at approximately 40 minute intervals. A timetable is available from the Met Information Centre by telephoning 131 638 or the Internet www.victrip.com.au
Map showing the location of ComTEC [JPG 42 KB] - Please use browser back button to return to this page.
![Map showing the location of ComTEC [JPG 42 KB]](img/comtecMap.jpg){kind=link}
Map showing the location of The Nerve Centre [PDF 19 KB] - Please use browser back button to return to this page.
Contact ComTEC
- ComTEC
-
705 Geelong Road
Brooklyn Victoria 3025
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PO Box 1101
Altona Gate Victoria 3025
- Tel: (03) 9362 6111
- TTY: (03) 9314 9001
- Freecall: 1800 686 533 (Victoria only)
- Fax: (03) 9314 9759
- Email: comtec@yooralla.com.au
- Melways reference: 40 J 10
- ComTEC Eastern Base
-
MS Society, Nerve Centre
54 Railway Road
Blackburn, Victoria
- Tel: (03) 9362 6111
- TTY: (03) 9314 9001
- Freecall: 1800 686 533 (Victoria only)
- Fax: (03) 9314 9759
- Email: comtec@yooralla.com.au
- Melways Reference: 48 A10