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The Speech department provides services in early detection and intervention for children with complex communication needs and disabilities as well as feeding and swallowing assessments for children at risk. The major focus is to implement evidence-based strategies in a family centered approach to better support children communicate and develop language to access curriculum. The department is serviced by two Speech Pathologists and two Speech Pathology Assistants.










Aims and Objectives
 
  • To provide speech therapy services to children at FHO who have moderate to severe communication and speech delays
  • To ensure that parents receive ample information & training to support and improve the development of their child's communication skills and capabilities
  • To provide support in terms of feeding and swallowing to children at risk of choking during food or water intake.
  • To ensure children who require speech and communication support receive quality intervention through the use of AAC systems
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The Department support children through individual and group sessions in-house and in the community as well as run parent and caregiver training and teacher training. It employs the following strategies;
 
  • OWL- Observe Wait Listen
  • Joint Attention
  • Follow the Child’s Lead
  • Turn-taking & Choice Making
  • The 4 Is and The 4 Ss
  • People Games and Pretend Play
  • Low-Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) including basic visuals, visual schedule and core board.
  • Phonological Awareness – word awareness, reading, spelling, writing etc.
  • Speech strategies –Articulation, Phonological, Apraxia, Motor Planning etc.
  • Feeding and swallowing strategies – food consistency, feeding positionings etc.