Groundwork Magazine

Some drawbacks of using ASL are:

• Difficultly communicating with non-ASL speakers

• A whole family must commit to learning ASL for the communication style to be effective

• Time consuming to learn ASL

• There are only five provincially funded ASL schools in Ontario (Brantford, Belleville, Milton, London and Ottawa)

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2. Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

 

AAC is a symbol supportive communication style that utilizes an iPad or tablet as well as picture software to help speak for you. The programs provide ways to choose words, symbols, and images to express moods, needs, and thoughts. Some AAC devices carry a text-to-speech feature that helps those who struggle with speech. ACCs can be used with people who have a physical or intellectual disability.

 

When it comes to costs, these devices can run you into the thousands. For those who qualify, the Ontario government provides funding for communication aids through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), which absorbs some or all costs related to these devices.

 

A fantastic option on the market is the iPad software MyVoice TalkRocket, which is now government funded. For a 75 per cent discount, families receive the iPad along with the software.

 

If you already own an iPad or iPod touch and are just looking to download the software, Proloquo2Go is a popular option that costs $219.99.

 

There is also the DynaVox systems that range anywhere from $4,600- $17,000.  While the cost may sound steep, DynaVox has created a program that makes renting the systems affordable.

 

“You can lease a DynaVox through the ADP for 10 per cent of the device cost a year,” says Danielle Miller, the Ontario sales consultant for DynaVox. “The price caps at $800 a year per client, no matter how expensive the device is.”

 

Miller adds that when it comes to payment, clients can opt for a lump some payment or a quarterly one.

 

Some pros for using an AAC system are:

• They are portable and easy to use

• Most software can be customized with your own pictures and words

• Text-to-speech tool makes it easy to talk to others

• Great for visual learners

• Funding available

 

Some drawbacks to the AAC devices are:

• Not for people with low/ no muscle tone as devices are operated by touch

• Can be very expensive if bought out-of-pocket

• Some software and devices are not covered by government funding or insurance

• Devices are fragile and can be expensive to fix

• Not everyone gets approved for funding

• Long waitlist for those approved for funding

 

 

3. Speech-Language Therapy

 

Trying to sum up the job of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) seemed near impossible. The scope of their work is not only vast but far-reaching as well. They adapt to their clients providing a range of services.

A vague definition of a speech-language pathologists is a person who identifies, assesses and rehabilitates children and adults with communication and language needs. SLPs must hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited university and belong to the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario, a regulatory body that protects the public.

 

Speech pathologists can be found in hospitals, schools, long-term care and mental health facilities, children’s treatment centres, private clinics, private individual practitioners and rehab centres.

 

“We help stop frustration,” says private speech-language practitioner Michelle Cheng. “If someone can’t communicate ideas and thoughts, that can cause frustration. It can cause difficulties learning and be the root to why kids act out behaviorally.”

 

OHIP covers public funded practitioners but the waitlists are long and private health insurance plans may cover private practitioners. There isn’t a set fee for private SLPs but the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists recommends a rate of $180 per hour for one-to-one services and $90- $125 per hour, per client for group therapy.

 

There can be a long waitlist to see a publically funded speech-language pathologist. Also, once you’ve received your initial session, you may be placed in group classes rather than one-to-one sessions with the pathologist. A private one-to-one session is much more common in the private sector.

 

Pros for working with a speech pathologist:

• Speech pathologists can refer you to other organizations and services to help you reach your communication goals

• Early intervention can start with children as young as 12 months

• Sessions are tailored to each client’s individual needs

• It helps with in all levels of communication needs (e.g. no speech, milestone delays, impediments, literacy, comprehension, etc.)

• SLPs are Qualified to fill out tax credit forms

• Patients can do one-to-one, small and large group sessions

• You can work with both a private and public SLP at the same time

 

Cons for using a speech pathologist:

• There is a restricted number of visits per child if going through the school board, which might not be enough for their needs

• Not every child will qualify for a SLP within the school 

• Can become expensive if you go the private route and pay out of pocket

• Publicly funded SLPs have long waitlists and work an equal amount of weeks on as off, so children can backslide after progress is made

• They do not diagnose disorders, they work in treating someone who has already been diagnosed