Health and Therapies
Speech & Language Therapy at Birtenshaw
Here at Birtenshaw we believe that every young person has the right and ability to communicate. We follow the Means, Reasons & Opportunities model (Money & Thurman, 1994). Our job is to support each young person to develop their MEANS of communication and to support staff to provide the REASONS and OPPORTUNITIES to communicate throughout the day.
As well as spoken language we support staff and young people with the following augmentative communication methods:
Signalong
Signalong is a key word signing system where the speaker uses signs for key words alongside their speech. Signing is useful in supporting attention levels, understanding of words and prompting expressive speech.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS is a system designed to support young people to initiate and communicate their choices, as well as to comment on things they can hear or see. Each young person requiring PECS will have an individual assessment and a PECS book designed to meet their particular needs.
Communication book
Communication display chart
Communication Display Charts / Books
These are used to model vocabulary and phrases to young people to help develop their language skills. As the young person experiences hearing and seeing the vocabulary in real life situations they may start to use the display charts or books to communicate with you.
Devices
Some of our young people may also be able to use high-tech devices. We will support assessment for specialist equipment where needed.
Objects, Photographs and Symbols
Objects, photographs and symbols are used throughout the organisation to help the young people understand what is happening throughout their day.
Belt pack
Now / next / later chart
Object of Reference
Eating & Drinking
As well as supporting communication, we also provide assessment for eating and drinking skills where needed.
Our goals are always to help the young people to:
UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE’S COMMUNICATION
DEVELOP THEIR OWN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
ENCOURAGE SOCIAL INTEGRATION
ACHIEVE THROUGH CHALLENGE
PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE
BUILD SELF CONFIDENCE
BUILD SELF ESTEEM
PROBLEM SOLVE
HAVE FUN, BE HAPPY AND LEARN
AWARDS
