Let’s Talk About Speech Pathology
By Marnie Adams, Contributor @ Kids In Perth 20 Apr 2023
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Speech, language and communication skills are crucial because they are fundamental building blocks to a child’s early development helping them to interact with the world around them. Speech refers to the sounds we produce and articulation, while language is how we communicate, incorporating spoken and written language and gestures.
Research by Speech Pathology Australia shows that 17% of four-year-old children have speech, language and literacy difficulties.
To be able to speak clearly, interact and understand each other is crucial to developing relationships and friendships.
Kites speech pathologists can support your children's communication to improve their speech, language, literacy and articulation. Children of all ages, including youngsters who are autistic or have physical and developmental delays, can benefit from this service.
Every toddler or child needs to understand a word before they can communicate it.
Learn more about the EverAbility Group
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
One of the main aims of a speech pathologist is to encourage greater language use by promoting repetition, achieved through pointing and talking about various objects. Play is an integral part of a child’s learning and helps them to acquire language skills. When a child initiates play, open-ended questions can encourage conversation.
A child often learns through demonstration – known as modelling.
From eating an apple to throwing a ball, they’ll understand the meaning of words if they know how they’re used and when. Repetition of words is important to master speech sounds.
Kites speech pathologists can help your child to:
- Understand spoken and written words
- Construct sentences to express themselves
- Articulate clearer speech
- Understand the importance of listening as part of the communication process
They can also:
- Offer solutions to children who have difficulty swallowing, eating and drinking
- Suggest alternative methods of communication by incorporating technology
If you’d like to know more about our Speech Pathology Service, email hello@kitestherapy.org.au or head online to www.kitestherapy.org.au.
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Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Learn More | NDIS Tips
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) experts at EverAbility Group have provided some great tips below.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government-funded program providing support for individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives.
Tip #1: Research your Service Provider
Choose a reputable, NDIS-approved service provider who provides the services your child needs. You may be able to speak with a therapist to help you plan for the appropriate hours, sessions, and level of support that your child needs.
Tip #2: Make sure the service provider is NDIS-approved
Not all service providers are approved by the NDIS, so make sure that your service provider is NDIS-approved to avoid out-of-pocket costs. You will often work with a Key Worker at your service provider. Use the knowledge of your Key Worker to help you understand the different types of funding available and how your child can benefit from them.
Tip #3: Be aware of the service provider's qualifications:
Parents should ensure that the service provider has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide the support their child needs.
Gallery | What's On
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Tip #4: Approval for NDIS funding may take some time, and a lot of providers have waitlists.
You may be able to join the waiting list while you wait for funding approval.
Tip #5: Make use of the regular Plan Review process.
Each year the NDIS reviews the child's support needs. If you would like to apply for more or reduce your therapy or services – now is the time to do it. Speak with your therapist and complete the appropriate paperwork with your Key Worker.
If you want some support to talk things through, reach out to EverAbility Group.
The WA-based group is home to Kites Children’s Therapy - including Dog Assisted Therapy and Autism Assistance Dogs, VisAbility low vision specialist child and youth services and Guide Dogs WA.
The range of services under one roof makes the Victoria Park team a smart choice for Perth parents because they are NDIS approved, have experienced and qualified professionals, and provide a personalised and inclusive approach to therapy.
Helping parents to ensure that their child's needs are met in a holistic manner and beneficial access to NDIS is maintained.
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Children & Youth Services / Therapies
Early Intervention
Early childhood (0 – 6 years) is a period of rapid growth and learning.
Your child may be at developmental risk if they don’t have learning opportunities that cater to their vision impairment needs.
VisAbility's services can help young children living with low vision to:
- Learn early movement skills such as sitting, crawling and walking
- Learn independence skills such as dressing, toileting or brushing their teeth
- Regulate their emotions and express themselves
- Eat and drink safely, including finger feeding and how to use a cup and cutlery
- Communicate their wants, needs and preferences
- Transition to school
Group Programs | VisAbility
For younger children, these include:
- VisAbility Playgroup – WA’s only playgroup, specifically for children who have vision impairment
- It Takes Two To Talk – step-by-step learning to become your child’s most important communication teacher.
For school age children, these include:
- Fitness, Food and Fun – physical activity and healthy living for kids of all ages
- Look Good, Feel Good for Teens – learn how to put together a great outfit, apply make-up and more.
Therapies
VisAbility & Kite's Children's Therapy
- Dietitian
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Speech Therapy/Pathology
- Social Work
VisAbility
- Assistive Technology
- Orientation & Mobility
- Orthoptics
Kite's Children's Therapy
- Exercise Physiology
- Online Therapy
- Dog-Assisted Therapy
Locations | Kite's Children's Therapy
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
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About | EverAbility Group
Learn all about the EverAbility Group and its diverse therapy services.
EverAbility Group is a Western Australia-based organization that offers a range of services to support people with disabilities, including Kites Children's Therapy, VisAbility low vision specialist child and youth services, and Guide Dogs WA.
They are NDIS approved, have experienced and qualified professionals, and provide a personalized and inclusive approach to therapy.
EverAbility Group is committed to empowering people with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives, while also supporting their families and caregivers. Their services are designed to meet the individual needs of each client and help them achieve their goals.
Home to the following organisations:
Kite's Children's Therapy is a WA-based therapy group that offers comprehensive and individualized therapy services to children with disabilities. With a team of experienced and qualified professionals, they provide dog-assisted therapy, autism assistance dogs, and a range of low-vision specialist child and youth services. They are NDIS approved and offer a personalized and inclusive approach to therapy.
VisAbility is a leading not-for-profit disability service provider in Western Australia. They offer a wide range of support services, therapies and programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Their vision is to provide a world where people with disabilities are included and valued, and they work hard to make this a reality.
Guide Dogs WA provides a range of services to enhance the independence and mobility of Western Australians with blindness or vision impairment. These services include guide dogs, mobility aids, orientation and mobility training, and occupational therapy.
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Contact | Make Enquiry
Have questions about Speech Pathology or one of the many specialist services provided by Kite's Children's Therapy or the EverAbility Group?
Get in touch directly with Kite's Children's Therapy or sign up for their newsletter by submitting a form below.
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Kite's Children's Therapy
(08) 9311 8222
16 Sunbury Rd, Victoria Park WA 6100
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday | CLOSED
kitestherapy.org.au
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