A Postcard from Antarctica for ELMS Activity Hub
28th November 2024
Our speech and language team believes that everyone has the right to communicate. They’re here to help our children, young people and adults overcome communication difficulties associated with their complex disabilities. Using a variety of tools and interventions, the team works with individuals and supports self-advocacy, to keep the lines of communication open and help people to connect with each other.
The team works flexibly to provide assessments, direct therapy sessions, tools for meaningful choice making, support for understanding and making difficult decisions, across Hollybank. They use a wide range of communication aids and equipment, to support communication and to provide trials and assessments with the most suitable communication methods.
These communication aids include:
The team works closely with other professionals to support areas such as assistive technology, sensory and behavioural needs, engagement in daily routines and activities, and decision making (in line with the Mental Capacity Act).
Not only does the team help people to connect and communicate with others, they also provide life-changing support with eating, drinking and swallowing.
Difficulties with eating and drinking can have a huge impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. The team takes a lead role in ensuring that our children, young people and adults have the opportunity, wherever possible, to develop and maintain the skills required for eating and drinking in a safe, effective and enjoyable way. This includes:
Assistive technology is a small, but important part of the therapy service we offer at Hollybank.
Assistive technologies can enable people to control their immediate environment, access communication aids, engage in pastimes and social or educational activities, play games or just have some choice in what they want to watch or listen to.
Our AT team takes equipment, tools and gadgets that we use everyday and adapts them so that they can be used by children, young people and adults – at the touch of a button. We use a wide range of software and equipment to make this possible. Imagine not being able to open your own curtains, or to change the channel on the TV. Our team helps people to interact with and control the environment they are in. From microwave ovens, toasters and food mixers, to toys, computer games and musical instruments – you name it, our AT team has adapted it!
“Hollybank staff, volunteers and residents are a huge part of our family. You are amazing at the best of times and have proven to be exceptional during such challenging times. A huge heartfelt thank you to one and all.”
To discuss requirements, speak to a team member or organise a visit please get in touch.
Hollybank Trust is a registered Charity: 1043129