Augmentative Communication

The Augmentative Communication Program at the Quinte Children's Treatment Centre provides assessment, treatment and consultation for children who have difficulty speaking or writing and who would benefit from low tech/no tech assistance.

Supports may include:

• Using eye gaze to make a choice from two objects or pictures.
• Using pointing or gestures to indicate a want or need.
• Using picture communication boards to communicate what they did at school today.
• Using a tape recorder to record answers to test questions when they are unable to write
• Using computers to complete written work when no special adaptations (hardware or software) are required. 

The program also assists those who require specific skill development to allow them to better access a high-tech device such as a multi-level voice output system.  The clinic at QCTC provides access to limited Assistive Devices Program funding for low tech devices for individuals who qualify.  The ACS program at Quinte Children's Treatment Centre includes Speech Language Pathologists, Communications Disorders Assistant and Occupational Therapists.

The Quinte Children's Treatment Centre works closely with Augmentative Communication Services at KidsInclusive - Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston to assist children and youth with communication challenges to reach their maximum potential. KidsInclusive is authorized by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) to prescribe high technology devices such as computers with specialized hardware and/or software to help with a child's communication needs or other alternate options.