December 9, 2008

'Cool Communicators' Holiday Gathering for Children using Speech Generating Devices

KELOWNA, BC:  On Thursday, Dec. 11, students who use communication devices will gather for holiday treats, a gift exchange and a swing at a piñata.  Thirteen ‘cool communicators’, who use high tech devices involving a keyboard or a touch screen to produce an audible message, will have an opportunity to socialize as well as to educate and inspire their peers.  

“This year, we are planning something a little different,’ says Sue Rampone, a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist and an event organizer along with her colleague Heather MacNaughton.  “The ‘cool communicators’ have been encouraged to bring a friend with them.  It will make the event more fun and also create greater awareness among typical speakers of what is involved in communicating with a device.”

“We have also changed the gift exchange to challenge students.  Instead of a Secret Santa gift exchange, each student has been given some information about the recipient.  On Thursday, they will take turns describing the person and their hobbies to the audience, who will have to guess their identity.  It’s a fun exercise that encourages students to improve their communication skills.  We hope it will generate spontaneous conversations.”

“We have so many more children using high tech communication devices in recent years,” says Rampone.  “The technology provides a voice to individuals who would otherwise have difficulty being understood by unfamiliar listeners or speaking at all.”

The gathering will take place at the Hollywood Road Education Services building at 1040 Hollywood Road from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  

Many of the students have received their speech generating devices through Special Education Technology BC (SETBC), which develops and provides assistive technologies to BC school districts to assist students with disabilities.  Operating the devices may involve touching a screen or accessing a switch to produce an audible message.  Some also have wireless internet and email capabilities.

Information on speech generating devices can be found on these websites: www.SETBC.org
www.dynavoxtech.com and www.prentrom.com

Approved by the Superintendent and Chairperson December 9, 2008

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For comments, please contact:

Sue Rampone, Registered Speech-Language Pathologist, (250) 870-5000 ext.6879

Heather MacNaughton, Registered Speech-Language Pathologist, (250) 870-5000 ext.6869

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information: please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.