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Communication

Giving our students a real voice

Imagine not being able to speak. You can’t have a conversation. People talk over you or avoid you. You want to learn, but can’t express your ideas. Or ask questions. You can’t even tell someone you love them. 

That is the reality of life for a third of our youngsters.

Alternative & Augmentative Communication Technology (AAC)

Having a voice is integral to personal wellbeing. This year we must invest £30,000 on AAC from simple symbol cards to hi-tech eye-gaze technology. Our Speech and Language Therapy team also need a range of equipment and the chance to try out innovative new items. It’s the only way to identify the right solution for each individual student’s needs.

Handheld Communication Aids

We are eagerly awaiting the chance to buy new versions of the iChat3 or Palmtop3 hand-held communication devices. These rugged palmtop computers are essential to help younger students with complex and severe disabilities to communicate. A simple hand-held device gives them a language framework for all stages from childhood to young adult life.

We need to raise £2,500 to purchase these devices for our students

Speech Generating Devices

DynaVox are the world’s most widely used speech-generating devices. They give our students independent communication for the very first time, but some students have such limited physical control that they can’t use them. They need more sophisticated technology to express themselves.

DynaVox Eyemax gives students a voice simply by blinking their eyes. It can be used by anyone with direct vision in one or both eyes, as well as those with some controlled head movement.

Special software allows therapists to choose the features best suited to each student’s needs. It also provides quick access to speech, email, the internet, ebooks and environmental controls.

We need to raise £5,000 to purchase the DynaVox Eyemax system. 

Can you help give our students a voice? Please call us on 01420 547 477 or email fundraising@treloar.org.uk 

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