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Therapy CAN be fun!!!

It's true. Therapy CAN be fun!
There are a million and one reasons why someone may see a Speech Language Pathologist.
  • Articulation therapy - maybe they need help correcting some of their speech sounds
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – maybe they cannot/have difficulty speaking and need a different MODE of speech
  • Receptive Language - maybe they have difficulty with understanding what others say/ask
  • Expressive Language – maybe they have difficulty expressing themselves verbally
  • Pragmatics – maybe they have difficulty with social communication
  • Literacy – maybe they have difficulty reading

*****None of these target areas have to be approached in a BORING way!!!

Finding MEANINGFUL activities for each client can be difficult at times, but is WORTH IT! Functional, Meaningful and Motivating therapy activities help the client to apply what they are learning to their lives and generalize these skills to different environments (home, school, community, etc) – the ULTIMATE goal of Therapy.

Interested in private services for a loved one?
Contact us now!
289-690-2553
aly.a.albanese@gmail.com

There is NO one-size-fits-all in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)


A lot of families come to me and ask about purchasing an iPad for communication. While the iPad has amazing apps that can aid a child in a million different ways, there is no "go to" app out there that is the PERFECT fit for all AAC users - and this is a GOOD THING.

We all aquire skills at different rates, have our own unique interests, and learn things in our own ways - for these reasons, it is important that we have different apps, with different features.

The MOST important thing about your loved one's AAC system is that is an INDIVIDUALIZED system, created for them. One app may suit a child better than another app, and this does NOT mean one app is better than another - it means that one app caters to your child in a way that will stimulate their communication and aid in further developing their language system.

If you are interested in AAC support, Niagara Speech Therapy can help with the following:
- Provide support/active therapy for programming/implementing an app that you have purchased
- Provide direction for when purchasing an app
- Provide assessment for an AAC system for your loved one
- Provide functional, meaningful and motivating intervention and implementation for your loved one using an AAC system

Please contact us if:

  • - You have a loved one who you think would benefit from an Augmentative and Alternative Communication System like TouchChat, and would like to discuss an assessment

  • - You have already purchased the TouchChat app for yourself or a loved one, and need support for programming and implementing in your daily life

- You or your loved one have been prescribed TouchChat from another agency and are seeking additional support

Hope to hear from you soon!
289-690-2553
aly.a.albanese@gmail.com

What's so important about AAC?


Do you have a loved one who is labeled “non-verbal”, or perhaps you know someone who has lost their ability to speak after experiencing a stroke – if so, this post is for you.

The inability to use your speaking voice should not mean you should lose your independence. Everyone has the right to communicate – the hard part is finding a way for those who NEED a voice.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a fancy term for “using a method other than your voice to communicate”. This means that a person may use graphics/photos, alphabet board, text, sign language, a high tech system (iPad/tablet, dynavox), or a combination of methods to communicate.


AAC has NO age limit – you are never too old, and it is never too early to begin using AAC. We are ever changing and growing – AAC must grow WITH us. If you have a loved one who was assessed years ago, their AAC method at that time MAY still be relevant, however due to ANY changes in life (change in health, change in interests, change in environment) it is important our AAC system evolves with us.

AAC does not discriminate. Whether you are mobile or in a wheelchair; visually impaired and/or hearing impaired, there is an AAC method to complement YOU. Some methods may come quickly to users, and other methods may take years to develop – there is always room for improvement when you are working to achieve independence.

All AAC is customizable. It is SO important that your loved one has personalized vocabulary, and they are not just using a pre-made vocabulary set. Meaningful and functional vocabulary will not only increase conversation, but will also motivate an AAC user to use their method(s) more often.

If you are interested in an AAC assessment or intervention, please contact Aly:
aly.a.albanese@gmail.com
289-690-2553