High tech AAC devices hold much promise in providing individuals with comprehensive vocabularies that they can use for independent, autonomous communication, but for many children – particularly those with complex motor disabilities – these high tech “gadgets” remain a long-term goal with many hurdles to be overcome along the way. This presentation aims to describe the process and key outcomes of providing small-group holistic intervention with children who have motor disabilities and associated complex communication needs, and its benefits to developing communicative competence in real life situations. It also aims to demonstrate how a solid foundation of language, presented in a way that children can readily access, must be developed in order for children to meet their varied communication needs.

Yvette Theodorsen has worked in the disability sector as a speech pathologist since she graduated from Curtin University in WA in 2002. She has a special interest in assisting children with complex communication needs to become competent communicators and has developed her skills and knowledge in this area through her work in the school-aged programme at Rocky Bay, in the technology service at the Independent Living Centre of WA, and more recently at Carson Street School where she is currently employed. She currently works within the Conductive Education programme – a holistic approach to teaching children who have various motor disabilities and other associated challenges.