Karl Communicates What Matters to Him

How Speech Pathologists Support Communication

Communicating his Preferences and Support Needs

Karl and his speech pathologist, Cailtyn, spent time exploring ways he could express his preferences, communicate his support needs and participate in discussions about his future.

They focused on communication strategies that were relevant to Karl’s everyday experiences and the conversations that mattered to him.

This included communicating the type of psychologist he would feel comfortable working with, describing what he needed during appointments and identifying the areas of his mental health and wellbeing he wanted to discuss.

Karl has been practising how to express what is important to him and participate in decisions about his supports.

Communication and Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy can include expressing preferences, asking questions, communicating support needs and participating in decisions.

Karl continues to explore communication strategies he can use during conversations about his supports, goals and wellbeing. These everyday situations give him opportunities to practise communicating in ways that work for him.

How Speech Pathologists Support Self-Advocacy

Speech pathologists support self-advocacy by working alongside people to explore how they can express their preferences, communicate their needs and participate in decisions.

Everyday Independence’s speech pathologists work with children, young people and adults to support communication, connection and participation in everyday life.

Support is shaped around each person’s goals, communication preferences and everyday environments. Depending on the person, this may include:

• expressing preferences and making choices
• understanding and sharing information
• participating in conversations
• exploring communication aids or systems
• developing social communication skills
• communicating support needs
• strengthening self-advocacy.

Our speech pathologists work as part of an individual’s team when their knowledge and skills could support the person’s goals.

Support takes place where people live, learn, work and spend time, helping communication strategies become part of everyday activities, decisions and relationships.

Talk to Us About What’s Important to You

Would you like to learn more about our NDIS speech pathology services? Speak to our team on 1300 179 131 or complete an online form to get started.

This story describes one person’s experience. Supports and outcomes vary depending on each person’s circumstances, goals and support needs. Karl’s name and identifying details have been changed, and a stock image has been used to protect his privacy.