Look what can happen when we work as a team ...

It has been my experience as a Speech Language Pathologist that things work best when everyone is working together. This was certainly the case when we had a student with limited communication come to our division. And how, as a team, we have been able to work at establishing a communication system.

Manami is a 16 year old student with Cerebral Palsy. This September she left the Arborg Early Middle Years School and began grade nine at the high school in Arborg. At times she was able to convey her wants and needs with gestures, vocalizations, facial expressions and pointing. It quickly became apparent that Manami is very social and enjoys interacting with her peers and the staff at school. However, because of her difficulty with communicating, these interactions were short and limited.

Crystal, Cathy, Manami and Tracey working together on Manami's communication system

A variety of communication devices were offered to Manami on a trial basis through Open Access Resource Centre. The staff at OARC were always available to answer questions, troubleshoot and inform about different devices.

The staff at Arborg Early Middle Years School were willing to give the trial devices a chance and quickly learned how to program them. Having a trial period gave the staff an indication of what Manami's abilities were before purchasing a device. This also gave the staff an idea of just how much Manami had to say when given the opportunity.

The AltChat was the communication device that seemed to fit Manami best. Funding for the device was received through Children's disABILITIES Services. Manami even had an opportunity to say what colour she preferred. She was very adamant that she wanted her device to be red. It didn't take her very long to learn to navigate the many boards designed specifically for her. Manami is now able to greet people, make comments, request things or indicate she doesn't want something.

Initially our goal was to provide Manami with a means to communicate basic needs. But that has led to so much more. Manami's social skills and confidence (continued on page 2)

We want to recognize our generous funders who have allowed us to recently expand our library: The Winnipeg Foundation, CIBC Wood Gundy, Mason Corinthian Lodge #178, Cerebral Palsy Assoc. of Manitoba, Investors Group Community Projects Fund, Manitoba Hydro, Kiwanis, Wawanesa Insurance and many friends of OARC through Tribute Gifts and donations.

Our Board of Directors

Kevin Biggar - President
Jennifer Barthel
- Vice-President
Catherine Rushton - Past-President
Donna Passey-Treasurer
Ron Bryer - Director
Kim Churchill - Director
Carol Conan - Director
Richard Fillion- Director
Karen Hiscott - Director
Dorian Phillips - Director
Clinton Viehweg - Director