Augmentative Alternative Communication Halloween Hangout event takes place in Leitrim

As part of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) awareness month, a special HSE “AAC Halloween Hangout” event took place on Friday 31st October in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

The event was organised by the Speech and Language Therapists on the HSE’s Leitrim West Cavan Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT), for children who are using or learning to use AAC. AAC can include sign language, picture boards or high-tech iPad based systems. The Leitrim West Cavan CDNT is an interdisciplinary team providing therapeutic, health and social care supports to children and young people aged 0-18 years who have complex disabilities as well as to their families.

The event was held to support the increasing numbers of children and young people who benefit from AAC, along with their families. It also allowed the children and young people and their parents to learn more about AAC and to interact with others who use AAC at a fun social event.

Roisin Farrell, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, HSE Leitrim West Cavan Children’s Disability Network Team said “It was great for the children and young people, many of whom are non-speaking or minimally speaking, to experience an environment where different forms of communication are accepted and celebrated. The feedback received from families was very positive and they seemed to really enjoy the event.”