The Regional Communication Aid Service is based at Walkergate Park and is a specialist Electronic Assistive Technology Service.  Our service aims to improve the independence of people of all ages who experience severe communication difficulties through the provision of specialised services for Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Aids.  We support local teams in working with individuals to understand their AAC needs; and in providing specialised communication aids.

The Regional Communication Aid Service offers:

  • A visiting assessment service: this takes place in a suitable location (i.e. home, school, hospital etc)
  • An equipment loan service
  • Advice on specialist Communication Aid Equipment
  • Training in the use of specialist Communication Aid Equipment
  • AAC training for local teams

 

Referral Criteria

The Specialised AAC services specification states that an individual who would access a specialised AAC service would have both of the following:

  • a severe/complex communication difficulty associated with a range of physical, cognitive, learning, or sensory deficits;
  • a clear discrepancy between their level of understanding and ability to speak.

In addition, an individual must:

  • be able to understand the purpose of a communication aid;
  • have the ability to retain information on how to use the equipment
  • have communication ability beyond being pre-verbal
  • have developed beyond cause and effect understanding; and may:
  • have experience of using low tech AAC which is insufficient to enable them to realise their communicative potential.

Communication Aids Provision

The service has a remit to provide and maintain ‘specialised communication aids’ for people who meet the referral criteria.  Additional guidance governs what specialised communication aids are included.

Separate funding is available for people who are normally resident in Newcastle upon Tyne and for North Tyneside residents who have a Laryngectomy at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. There is also support for communication aid interventions for Newcastle Speech and Language Therapists and others who work with the communication aid user.

How to get Referred

Referrals should be made by health, social care or education professionals. Referrals are typically made by a local Speech and Language Therapist. We have a joint working agreement, and the local Speech and Language Therapist remains involved as lead professional during our input.