About Our Service

About us

This service aims to empower people with disabilities, using techniques and technologies which optimise potential for communication and control.

ACT works with people with complex disabilities to develop ways to enable them communicate and interact with their environment, assisted by the use of electronic equipment.

The service explores how people might use:

• Electronic communication aids
• 'Low-tech' communication methods
• Computers
• Alternative methods to control electrical appliances in the home

The team is made up of:

• Speech and Language Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Healthcare Scientists
• Technical Team
• Stock Team
• Administrators
• Clinical Support Team

 

 

ACT'S leadership team

	Service Lead: Jo Cartwright
	Admin Team lead: Laura Collins
	Stock Team Lead: Edgars Pupin
	Technical Services Lead: Kevin McGrath
	Lead Occupational Therapist for AAC: Lisa Price
	Lead Occupational Therapist for EC: Chelsea Abbott
	Lead Speech and Language Therapist: Julie Atkinson
	Lead Speech and Language Therapist: Chris Sherlock
	Lead Healthcare Scientist: Neil Gregory

 

ACT covers an area that borders Wales and includes the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire:

Services Offered:

• Environmental Control  is the part of the service which allows people to control pieces of equipment in their home that they are not able to control currently, e.g. television, lights and telephone.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication  addresses the needs of people with complex communication needs by introducing low-tech and electronic communication systems.
• ACT also provides Computer Access Assessments for people who are physically unable to use a standard keyboard and mouse. For patients with difficulty accessing and using equipment directly, an assessment may include exploring different methods eg switches, head pointers, etc.

 

 

Who is the service for?

• People of any age and diagnosis who cannot use speech or typing as their main form of communication.
• People who cannot use a standard computer keyboard and mouse, or devices such as TV remote controls.
• People may have a range of complex disabilities, including cognitive, behavioural, sensory and physical difficulties that may affect their ability to interact with their environment and/or to communicate effectively in face-to-face settings, on the telephone or in writing.
• People with a GP in the counties of West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 
• People with a GP outside of this area who are interested ACT’s services should call the referral and helpline to make further enquiries.

 

 

What you can expect from us?

• The ACT telephone referral and helpline is operated by experienced clinicians who provide advice and support. If the patient’ referral meets the NHSE access criteria we will allocate the appropriate clinicians and offer a first appointment date within 6 weeks.
• We will send you an appointment letter, and ACT leaflet which will further outline what you can expect on the day.
• Following the assessment appointment, we will write to you with our recommendations.
• We will also arrange to provide any equipment discussed with instructions and details of contacts for help.
• We will agree a follow up plan with you.

 

 

What do we do at an assessment?

This appointment will be around 2 hours long

 

We will:

• Include everyone who has a significant involvement for example family members, school team, local therapists.
• Develop an understanding what the issues are
• Jointly agree goals
• Try out different techniques and equipment

 

 

  What happens after the assessment?

• A report is written by ACT and shared with both you and team
• Agreed equipment is provided
• You and your team are trained to use the equipment
• We will get back in touch with you to find out  how you are getting on with the equipment
• ACT provides ongoing maintenance and advice as necessary.
• We will give you our details so you can contact us if you need to