Equipment training

Enhance your skills

Individuals who have little or no verbal communication will often require communication equipment to aid their communication. The speech and language therapist will offer an Augmentative and Alternative Communication system (AAC), which is any means of communication other than speech.

Our speech and language therapists will offer training for the individual, their parents or carers and other professionals on how to use this equipment.

What type of equipment training does SLT UK provide?

Our speech and language therapists will provide training for the individual, their parents or carers and other professionals involved in their care. Training will cover any aspect of AAC and will vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the individual or group requiring training.

Equipment training commonly includes:

• How to use the AAC system for the individual.
• How to use the AAC system for parents or carers and other professionals.
• Awareness and education on types of AAC systems.
• Awareness and education on communication difficulties and how this might affect an individual’s ability to communicate effectively.
• Creating a more effective communication environment.

Speech and language therapy training packages will offer education for the individual, their carers or parents and other professionals on any aspect of communication and AAC. Our training packages provide support and skills on using AAC, and work towards creating a more effective communication environment.

What types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are there?

There are many different types of AAC systems we can offer training on. The type of AAC system used by the individual will depend on many factors, including their overall ability, assessment results regarding their communicative ability and their underlying condition or disorder. Different types of AAC include:

No-tech communication aids

No tech communication aids involve the use of the individual’s body as a means of communication. No-tech communication aids include sign language, gesture and facial expressions as a means of communicating.

Low-tech communication aids

Low-tech communication aids use systems such as writing, alphabet charts and picture symbols as a tool for communicating.

High-tech communication aids

High-tech communication aids involve the use of electronic devices. High-tech communication aids can provide a ‘voice’ for individual’s via a computer software. High-tech communication aids also include electronic symbol and keyboard systems as a means of communication.

What will equipment training involve?

At SLT UK we offer a flexible approach when delivering our training packages. The content, length of time and location of the training will vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the individual or group requiring training.

We will provide practical and interactive training sessions to ensure the individual, parents or carers and other professionals gain the most out of the training. We will tailor our training style to meet the specific needs and abilities of those requiring the training.

Equipment training will involve teaching the individual, parents or carers and other professionals on how to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems effectively.

If you feel you may benefit from speech and language therapy or would like any more information on our services please email office@slt.co.uk or call 0330 088 5643.