| DEAL Communication Centre provides
services to people who are unable to talk, or to talk clearly, as a
result of conditions such as cerebral palsy, strokes, acquired brain
damage, autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual impairment - anyone
whose speech is not clear enough, fluent enough or reliable enough to
allow them to get across everything they want to say.
What
does the centre do for people?
Many people with Severe Communication Impairment (SCI) know
more words than they are able to say. People with SCI who know more
words than they are able to say may be able to expand their expressive
communication by using Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
strategies.
We assess each clients' communication needs and abilities.
We try to find some means of communication for people who have little
or no speech and no alternative means of communication.
We give people who have only a limited means of communication (a symbol
board or a few manual signs, say) a chance to try out alternatives,
such
as speech synthesisers.
We help parents, therapists, caregivers and teachers discover the
communication possibilities of people in their care, and where
necessary we teach them to use non-speech communication methods
(including Facilitated Communication).
We establish training programs to improve clients' skills.
We lend out communication aids so that people can practice their skills
and make informed decisions about buying equipment.
DEAL has helped more than a thousand people since it was set up in
1986. Donations to DEAL are tax deductible.We have enabled
people move from special schools into mainstream education, We have
given people with communication impairment who had previously been
thought to be profoundly retarded the skills to graduate
from secondary school and go to university,
we have given men of forty the means to tell their mothers "I love
you".
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What resources does the centre
offer?
Our staff includes a speech pathologist, a computer
consultant, a technician,
and a teacher. We have a range of communication equipment, from simple
picture boards to sophisticated computers with voice output. We have
switches, supports, and other equipment to allow people with severe
physical disabilities to operate communication devices.
What
does it cost?
Usually DEAL's services are free - we only charge individuals
who have institutional support. No doctor's referral is necessary.
What
is DEAL?
DEAL is a non-government non-profit charitable organisation.
Any person with a commitment to the rights and welfare of people with
communication impairments can become a member of DEAL. Donations to
DEAL are tax deductible.
What
are DEAL's hours?
9am to 4.30pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
(Appointments can be made for other times if needed).
For appointments and queries ring 03-9509 6324.
| DEAL receives no government funding.
Most of its income comes from donations, and all donations are welcome.
Donations above $2 are tax deductible and can be sent to The Treasurer,
DEAL, at the address below.
Rosemary Crossley, A.M., Ph.D.
Director
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