1. New Client – Initial Contact
May be by email or phone. You will be sent a questionnaire to fill in to outline your concerns and provide relevant background information.
2. New client – Consultation and Initial Assessment
Our initial appointment with a new client takes up to 90 minutes. Here we create a profile of the child / young person’s communication skills and needs, and a history of intervention to date, using input from family, and other key people involved, as well as direct assessment. This initial appointment can take place at home or in the education setting.
We believe the client should be able to communicate effectively in ALL environments, including educational settings, at home and in the wider community. We may require a second observational visit in another setting, or with different communication partners to capture a more complete picture of the client’s strengths and needs.
3. Post Assessment Meeting
Once initial observations and assessments are complete, the therapist will meet with caregivers, and other team members (eg teachers; MOE therapists) to discuss findings and present Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solutions that can be considered for trial to meet the needs of the child across all environments. This appointment can take place either at home or at pre/school.
At your request a report of the assessment and recommendations can be prepared and sent to you, as well as other professional services involved (educational; medical) . NOTE: There is an additional charge for this report. See our Schedule of Fees
4. Trialing Communication Solutions
The therapist will organise and customize the agreed trial solution – and introduce this to the client and family, in an initial trial session. The solution is then to be trialed by the client, across settings, for up to two weeks. Phone / email support is available during this time.
5. Trial Review
At the end of the trial, the team will meet to review the effectiveness of the proposed communication solution. Adjustments, extensions, and if necessary, alternatives can be considered. If the solution appears to best fit the client’s needs a personal system will be considered.
6. Provision of Personal Communication Solution
More To Say will apply to the Ministry of Health for funding of the individualized communication solution.
This funding covers:
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The full purchase price of the agreed equipment;
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A portion of the fee charged by More To Say to customise, set up and train the team in the communication solution. NOTE: There is an additional charge to clients for this remainder of this package – as outlined in our Schedule of Fees.
On receipt of the equipment, More To Say will prepare the system to ensure it meets the needs of the client.
We arrange an initial block of four training sessions to guide family members and the school team in specific ways to support the client’s effective use of the equipment.