October 2002

Speech therapy service boost

A $1 million-a-year Government boost to speech therapy services will improve community interaction for people with a disability who have complex communication needs.

Community Services Minister Bronwyn Pike removed a gag from Luna Park’s big mouth while launching a Communication Resource Centre which will bring therapy closer to home for those in need.

‘This symbolic act marks a big step toward breaking down communication barriers for people with a disability.

‘The new centre will be an enormous benefit to Victorians with complex communication needs.’

The Scope-run centre in Box Hill will be the hub for the new quality Statewide service which employs speech pathologists, occupational therapists, trainers and community development workers.

More than 650 Victorians were consulted on this innovative project which aims to help people with complex communication needs in their communities.

Ms Pike said the service, part of the Government’s $1 million Speech Therapy Initiative, would also benefit hundreds of children with complex communication needs.

‘On top of $1 million a year, the government has allocated $2.1 million for communication aids and equipment for school students with a disability and complex communication needs,’ she said.

Yooralla Society of Victoria will run this service as part of the Government’s Electronic Communication Devices Scheme.

Ms Pike said freedom of expression was a basic human right that many people took for granted.

‘But how can those with a disability and complex communication needs exercise such rights if they cannot make their wishes, thoughts and opinions known?

‘The Communication Resource Centre with its internationally-recognised experts and innovative approach makes interaction more accessible to people with complex needs.’