Kick Starting Total Communication
Author: Helen Page & Viki Baker
Magazine issue: Summer 10
Page numbers: 4-6
Date: 31 May 2010
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The speech and language therapy team for adults with learning disabilities in Sussex was frustrated that basic communication needs of clients were not being addressed by other services. They felt this would only change if local Commissioners and the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board made communication a higher priority. This article charts an ambitious programme of cultural change, beginning with a successful application for funding for venues, resources and speech and language therapy time for a project to ‘Kick Start’ things. Working in partnership with users, carers, voluntary organisations, advocacy services and local authority and policy officers, the project started with practical road shows which showed how simple ideas could make a big difference. It continued with the addition of new training initiatives and speech and language therapy drop-ins. Funding has been secured to ensure further development of support and information for families, the learning disability workforce, employers and the general public. A booklet and DVDs have been produced and an online package is in progress. The article ends with detail about a ‘Festival of Togetherness’, an exciting specialist road show targeted at clients with high support needs and limited communication skills.
