MISSION AUGMENTATIVE and ALTERNATIVE The Technology Access Clinic COMMUNICATION (AAC) The mission of the Technology Access Team… Clinic is to facilitate the communication of individuals who are not able to write due to Communication is a complex process assesses client needs and abilities for a long-term physical disability and/or whose involving many related skills, and involves a augmentative communication speech does not meet all of their message being sent and a message being determines eligibility for Assistive Devices communication needs. received. Program (ADP) funding (individuals with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability VALUES Augmentative and Alternative are not eligible for ADP funding) We embrace the following values as refers to ways (other Communication (AAC) prescribes the most appropriate fundamental to success in achieving our than speech) that are used to send a communication system and access mission: message from one person to another. An method for clients individual requires augmentative and recommends strategies for using the We value: alternative communication if speech and/or communication system the worth of all clients referred to Hamilton handwriting does not meet their trains facilitators who assist the client in Health Sciences and respect their right communication needs. using their communication system to communicate; provides ongoing support for the client, AAC systems use a combination of family, school and others to promote a client-centered collaborative partnership techniques to enhance communication. communication in all daily living activities where needs are identified, goals are Techniques may include speech, sign provides technical support in the client’s agreed upon and decisions and actions language, picture communication displays, environment are taken; written language, speech generating technology or a computer system. In addition, the Technology Access Clinic… a team approach, which provides the staffing, clinical expertise and resources Individuals with physical disabilities may have hosts workshops and presentations for necessary to reach the best difficulty handwriting or using their hands to clients and caregivers communication solutions for our clients. operate communication systems. A variety of offers information regarding AAC, alternative access methods, special specialized access and communication keyboards and strategies may be explored. Within Hamilton Health Sciences, the technology for community groups, school Technology Access Clinic is an boards Augmentative and Alternative provides student placements Communication service in the Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Portfolio, Ron Joyce Health Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital. Children’s
MISSION The mission of the Technology Access Clinic is to facilitate the communication of individuals who are not able to write due to a long-term physical disability and/or whose speech does not meet all of their communication needs. VALUES We embrace the following values as fundamental to success in achieving our mission: We value: the worth of all clients referred to Hamilton Health Sciences and respect their right to communicate; a client-centered collaborative partnership where needs are identified, goals are agreed upon and decisions and actions are taken; a team approach, which provides the staffing, clinical expertise and resources necessary to reach the best communication solutions for our clients. Within Hamilton Health Sciences, the Technology Access Clinic is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication service in the Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Portfolio, Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital. AUGMENTATIVE and ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC) Communication is a complex process involving many related skills, and involves a message being sent and a message being received. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to send a message from one person to another. An individual requires augmentative and alternative communication if speech and/or handwriting does not meet their communication needs. AAC systems use a combination of techniques to enhance communication. Techniques may include speech, sign language, picture communication displays, written language, speech generating technology or a computer system. Individuals with physical disabilities may have difficulty handwriting or using their hands to operate communication systems. A variety of alternative access methods, special keyboards and strategies may be explored. The Technology Access Clinic Team… assesses client needs and abilities for augmentative communication determines eligibility for Assistive Devices Program (ADP) funding (individuals with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability are not eligible for ADP funding) prescribes the most appropriate communication system and access method for clients recommends strategies for using the communication system trains facilitators who assist the client in using their communication system provides ongoing support for the client, family, school and others to promote communication in all daily living activities provides technical support in the client’s environment In addition, the Technology Access Clinic… hosts workshops and presentations for clients and caregivers offers information regarding AAC, specialized access and communication technology for community groups, school boards provides student placements
TAC%20Brochure%202016%20Revised.docx