About the 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 to 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.

 

 

Services Offered

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) addresses the needs of people with complex communication needs by introducing low-tech and electronic communication systems.
• Environmental Control (EC) 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, for example, television, lights and telephone.
• ACT also provides Computer Access Assessments (CA) 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, for example, switches, head pointers and so on.

 

 

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.

 

 

Introduction to ACT

We have produced a training guide video, Introduction to ACT, presented by two members of our team for those who may not have referred to ACT before, or those who would like a refresher. This training will provide:

• An overview of the team, our referral criteria, and the remit of the service.
• How to refer and the information required to make a referral.
• Things to consider before referring and how to prepare your client.