What funding is available for speech therapy?

You can access speech therapy services if you have an NDIS plan, Disability Services Commission funding, Medicare or if you want to fund your own services. We can also support you through the planning process if you do not have a plan already.

Speech Therapy

The world and its possibilities are open to us when we can communicate effectively with others. Living with a disability can make ‘normal’ communication more difficult, but that doesn’t mean we can’t participate in a full and rich life. Rocky Bay Speech Pathologists are here to partner with you and find the communication method that works for you – whatever that looks like.

Speech, sign language, body language, manual or electronic communication devices – Rocky Bay Speech Pathologists take a holistic approach to communication and include your friends, family, carers and support network in this approach, to surround you with people all using the same language.

Speech pathologists at Rocky Bay assist people of all ages and all abilities including:

A young child learning the mechanics of making certain sounds
A primary school-aged child struggling to make friends
A young adult learning to be more independent by text messaging and reading menus
An adult learning to form words again after a stroke.

But it’s more than just speech and communication, our staff are also experts in swallowing and Dysphagia and can assist with the devices, foods and drinks you can use to eat easily and safely. Let us show you the utensils, thickeners and pre-packaged foods you’ll love – then, partner with a Rocky Bay dietician to really set you on a path to success. When we work together, anything is possible.

Literacy

If you are experiencing difficulty reading or writing letters, words and sentences, a Rocky Bay literacy program could be ideal for you.

Our therapists can work with you in:

Direct therapy with a speech pathologist to work on a specific goal
Training parents and carers to support more effective communication
Training parents and carers to assist you to learn new skills
Provision of useful language strategies
Provision of communication supports, such as picture books (PODD books).

We also work with you to write longer works like stories, reports and essays.

Language

Our Speech Pathologists provide comprehensive assessment and therapy in either expressive (speaking) or receptive (listening) language.

Language therapy may involve:

Direct therapy with a speech pathologist to work on a specific goal
Training parents and carers to support more effective communication
Training parents and carers to assist the person in learning new skills
Provision of information about language strategies

Provision of communication supports, such as pictures to aid comprehension or making choices.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

For individuals who have complex communication needs, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) options are available to enhance communication. If you experience little to no speech, reduced intelligibility and have difficulty understanding what other people say, then our Speech Pathologists can assist you. They will identify your needs and provide you with a plan to support your goals. AAC is a total communication approach which might mean using unaided systems such as Key Word Sign or aided systems, such as voice output devices, to optimise your communication.

PODD Books

One form of AAC to enhance communication is a Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) book. A Speech Pathologist will determine your suitability for a PODD book and will work with you to choose:

Which vocabulary you would like in the book
How many and what type of symbols to display
The best way you can access the book.

They will then work with you and your key communication partners to ensure you get the most out of it.

Specialised Speech Clinics

Information Kit for AAC Teams

FAQ

What is Speech Pathology?

Who is speech therapy for?

Speech pathologists at Rocky Bay assist people of all ages and all abilities. Our customers come to Rocky Bay, for a variety of reasons, including:

A young child learning the mechanics of making certain sounds
A primary school aged child struggling to make friends
A young adult learning to be more independent by text messaging and reading menus
An adult learning to form words again after a stroke.

Where is the service located?

What funding is available?

How can Speech Pathology help my young child?