AACcess Speech Pathology

Get to know AACcess Speech Pathology

From AACcess Speech Pathology's website.

• Our approach

  AACcess Speech Pathology works with clients using a family-centred approach, focusing particularly on complex communication needs and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems. Sessions are individualised and tailored to each person's needs, with a strong emphasis on building the capacity of parents, family members and caregivers to support communication at home and in everyday environments. The provider is flexible in where sessions take place—whether in clinic, at home, in day options, educational settings or other care environments—to suit what works best for your family. The therapy style is adapted to each person, with a particular strength in putting those who feel anxious or apprehensive at ease through a relatable and easy-going manner. The goal is to establish functional, individualised AAC systems and optimise communication potential across all the people involved in the child's life.

• Working with families

  Family involvement is central to the approach at AACcess Speech Pathology. The provider works closely with families to understand your child's communication needs across all environments and with all the people in their life, and therapy specifically includes building the capacity of parents, family members and other caregivers. Sessions can be delivered in whichever setting works best for your family—clinic, home, day options, education or other care environments. For clients using AAC systems, the provider keeps carers consulted and updated every step of the way, including liaison with the NDIS and other key stakeholders where needed. As a small business, Sharon prioritises individualised communication with each family throughout the therapy journey.

• Meet the team

  AACcess Speech Pathology is led by Sharon, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia with over 20 years of experience. She holds expertise in working with children and adults with complex communication needs, including those with little or no speech, and has experience with a wide range of AAC systems. Her clinical background spans work with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual disability and global developmental delay, as well as adults with motor neurone disease and sensory impairments. Sharon is also trained and experienced in building the capacity of parents, family members and other caregivers to support communication. As a small business, she provides individualised care and direct involvement in assessment, therapy planning and implementation.