Yooralla’s AAC and AT Consultants

Did you know that the ComTEC team are now part of the broader Therapy team at Yooralla?

While ComTEC as a standalone service has recently closed, our speech pathologists and occupational therapists are still providing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)/Assistive Technology (AT) consultations.

These consultations are for clients and their primary therapists to explore high-tech communication devices and Assistive Technology options.

Here are some of the things that our AAC/AT consultants can help with:

• Exploring high-tech communication devices.
• Increasing accessibility of computers and tablets through specialised settings and access devices.
• Environmental control and task management technology.
• Alternative access to gaming and creative activities.
• Securing and positioning technology using mounting systems.
• Accessibility to computers and tablets.

The consultations can take place in-person at home, at Sunshine or Endeavour Hills offices or online, via Zoom. 

Our consultants have supported many clients to achieve their AAC/AT goals, including recent examples such as:

• Supporting a client to learn to use their eyes to control their iPad.
• Facilitating access for a 16yo to play his Nintendo for the first time since his accident.
• Providing consultation and training on the communication apps LAMP and TD Snap Motor Plan for a therapist and team in the Northern Territory.
• Upskilling speech pathologists in Geelong, who are part of a special interest group, in decision making and exploration of communication devices.
• Developing 3D printed keyguards for iPads and 3D printed parts for accessible gaming for our clients.

Our service is also continuing to provide a library of communication devices and access options that clients and families can hire to try in their home, school or work environment, to see if they are suitable and/or to provide evidence for AT applications. You can browse the library catalogue online.