Services and Programs
We offer:
- An Auditory-Verbal program throughout Queensland which provides children who have a hearing impairment with the opportunity to learn to listen and speak, and to communicate in the world of sound. Auditory-Verbal Therapy's focus is on listening leading to the natural development of speech and language. We believe that each family and child is unique and individual programs are provided.
- A warm, friendly, family environment where dedicated Auditory-Verbal Therapists work cooperatively with the child and their family.
- A diverse team of qualified, experienced and enthusiastic professionals including Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapists®, Speech/Language Pathologists, Teachers of the Deaf, Early Childhood teachers, audiologists, social worker and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons, working together for the benefit of the families of the Centre.
- An early intervention program for hearing aid users from diagnosis to age of school entry.
- A specialist cochlear implant program for children up to 12 years of age. This includes the following in addition to other services offered:
• Evaluation of suitability for a cochlear implant, including a trial of hearing
aids
• Preparation for cochlear implant surgery
• Activation or 'Switch-on' of the cochlear implant
• Psychological advice
• Post-implant therapy
• 'All of life' audiological management [includes programming of the implant (MAPping) and audiological assessment].
- Parent/Infant Program
A specialist parent/infant program providing babies aged 0 – 18 months and their families with support and intensive early intervention, including a baby playgroup.
> Click here for more on Infant Hearing Screening
- Audiological services including:
• Hearing assessment
• MAPping (programming of the cochlear implant). This is performed at the Centre in Brisbane as well as in some regional centres using portable programming equipment.
• Parent education and counselling
- A language enriched playgroup which provides children who are deaf or hard of hearing with social and educational experiences with their hearing peers. This playgroup is conducted by an Early Childhood Teacher.
- Parent education.
> Click here for more on parent education
- Support and counselling for parents and families.
- An Outreach Program for rural and isolated children and their families, throughout Queensland. Videoconferencing or webcams are utilised to provide Auditory-Verbal lessons for children and their parents, and to educate parents and relevant professionals.
- Assistance with kindergarten and prep selection followed by consultation with staff at the child's chosen educational setting.
- Visits to kindergartens and prep schools attended by the children.
- Individualised Education Plans (I.E.P.'s) devised biannually with input from the child's parents/caregivers and teachers. In addition to listening, speech and language, therapy goals address the areas of cognition, socialisation, physical and emotional development.
- Regular assessment to monitor and facilitate the children's progress.
At the Hear and Say Centre, we are a team that works, talks and plays together.
