Getting Ready to Talk

‘Getting Ready to Talk’ is a fun, interactive resource which is intended for use by both parents and Speech Pathologists. ‘Getting Ready to Talk’ was produced by a group of 4th year speech pathology students in conjunction with the Children’s Allied Health Services (CAHS) at Western Health.

The resource contains a DVD and manual which are designed to help families implement the speech pathology techniques learnt in therapy at home. ‘Getting Ready to Talk’ was developed for children with complex communication needs; however the techniques covered can be adapted to suit most young children. The package is aimed at promoting the development of communication skills in children at a pre-verbal to single word level.

Both the DVD and manual are presented in a manner that is ‘parent-friendly.’ The language used throughout is clear and simple, and where possible all written explanations are supported by a video or photo example. The DVD provides parents with ‘live’ examples of how to implement therapy techniques, and this footage is supported by written explanations and rationales in the manual.

The manual has been produced in both English and Vietnamese. A modified version of both manuals can be printed for free by clicking on the links below. If you would like a copy of the original manual or of the DVD please contact the Paediatric Speech Pathology team at Western Health on 8345 1430, or alternatively you can contact Western Health directly on 8345 1333. The DVD will also be available in Vietnamese in the near future.

A summary brochure is available below which includes a brief explanation of the 'Getting Ready to Talk' resource.

Downloads

The 'Getting Ready to Talk' resource has been designed and developed by 4th year Speech Pathology students at La Trobe University (Ellie Middleton, Elise O’Leary, David Karavias, Emily Stewart, Ashleigh Trollope & Aleisha Phillips) under the supervision of Tanya Serry (La Trobe University), Sally Butzkueven & Nikol Faris (Western Health).