Aqua therapy refers to water-based treatments or exercises by a...
Treatment
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems
Arguably, the most well-known alternative communication system would be that...
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
The use of NMES with functional activity or training is...
Functional Mobility
Disability, or limitation in the ability to carry out basic...
Gait Rehabilitation / Re-education
Walking is something we take for granted but includes not...
Geriatric Rehabilitation
Disability, or limitation in the ability to carry out basic...
Modified Barium Swallow (MBS)
Modified barium swallows (MBS) are also known as videofluoroscopy or...
Motor Relearning
The Motor Relearning Programme (MRP) is a treatment approach that...
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a safe and effective hands-on technique that...
Paediatric Rehabilitation
Welcome to the start of your child’s rehabilitation journey. You...
Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation, is a discipline concerned with the evaluation, treatment...
Spinal Cord Injury Interventions (Spinal Unit)
The back (vertebral column) consists of 24 vertebrae or bones...
Swallowing Therapy
Modified barium swallows (MBS) are also known as videofluoroscopy or...
Upper Limb Evaluation / Assessments and Treatment
At RHP rehabilitation therapy emphasizes functional activity in training, and...
Vocational Rehabilitation
The simplest definition of vocational rehabilitation was described as “Whatever...
Weight-bearing Therapy
Weight bearing therapy is one of the fundamentals of both...
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems
Arguably, the most well-known alternative communication system would be that of the late Stephen Hawking. He was unable to speak but he was able to control a computer system using his eyes. The computer was essentially his voice. This is an example of a high tech AAC system but low-tech options are just as beneficial and empowering. In fact, many people who start using alternative, augmentative communication (AAC) systems start with a simple communication board. It is important that every person be given a means to communicate which is unique to them and their situation.
Clients who are unable to communicate verbally, have limited verbal language or who struggle to express themselves in any form (writing, typing, facial expression, gestures or sign language) could possibly benefit from an alternative, augmentative communication (AAC) system. Alternative, augmentative communication (AAC) can be used permanently or temporarily, depending on the person and their unique communication needs. A completely alternative communication system is only used for those people who have no other means to communicate and the AAC system becomes their ‘voice’. For most people however, their communication is augmented or enhanced using an AAC system e.g. The person already uses eye contact or gesture or basic YES and NO to communicate but an AAC system would add to that by providing a means to communicate more information and access more people in their environment.
- The team will assess the person’s communication requirements, their physical, cognitive and sensory abilities while being mindful of resources and barriers unique to them. They then work with the person affected and their family or carers to develop a unique system with unique vocabulary and the patient and family or carers are then trained on how to use the system.