Our voices are our primary tool for communication, enabling us to convey our needs, emotions, ideas, and personality to the world. However, for Ella, the gift of a voice was not something she had.
Ella is a remarkable individual who, from a very young age, struggled with significant communication challenges. Born with a disability that initially left her unable to walk or talk, her mother, Mel, was told that these basic abilities might elude Ella forever.
During those early years, Ella's world was a source of frustration and sorrow for Mel, who yearned for a deeper connection with her daughter. Recalling that time, Mel shares:
“Ella couldn’t tell me her dreams, or her favourite colour, or what she wanted for her birthday. It was hard to know those things.”
The world around Ella remained silent, and her thoughts and desires remained unspoken.
Yet, hope and change were on the horizon.
With the unwavering support of Scope's Therapy team, Ella embarked on an extraordinary journey to find her voice. Through the team's guidance, Ella and Mel explored a range of specialised Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. After experimenting with various options, Ella discovered the 'Liberator' talker, a device that would become her voice. Mel explains:
“AAC was a bit slow going at the start, but then we got the Liberator talker. She learnt really quickly how to say her favourite foods. It was amazing to hear her voice.”
At first, the Liberator was a great tool for Ella however, Ella became reluctant to use her talker outside of home. It was at this pivotal moment that Mel recognised the need for additional support to ensure Ella's communication gains did not fade away.
Thankfully, a friend introduced Mel to Scope’s communication camp, CommuniCamp. The camp helped Ella and Mel connect with other children and families using AAC tools. Supported by Scope's speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and an AAC Mentor with lived experience, Ella discovered new ways to use her talker and connect with the world. Ella said:
“I went to CommuniCamp with Mum. We met lots of people that use AAC to talk. I learnt lots of new things. I met Kayli and had a great time.”
CommuniCamp offered more than just a service, it provided precious moments for mother and daughter to bond without the everyday pressures, fostering a deeper connection. Ella can now express her desires for lunch, communicate her feelings, and even share jokes, bringing joy and laughter.
Ella's confidence has soared to new heights, and her voice now fills the car during long drives, where she shares stories of her day, her friends, and her favourite movie characters.
The future shines brightly for Ella.
Eleven years ago, a then four-year-old Ryan, who had a developmental delay, was working with a fourth-year Occupational Therapy student on placement, who was involved in a running school readiness program. Karen noticed during the gross motor program that Ryan was more unstable on his feet than the other children. After further investigations, from the family, Ryan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative condition.
Shared book reading can support a range of early language skills including vocabulary and conversation skills in both typically developing children and children with language delays.
One key aspect that plays a pivotal role in shaping this positive educational milieu is Positive Behavior for Learning (PBL). Let's delve into the essence of PBL and explore its profound importance in the educational sphere.
