10. What should we expect from Speech and Language therapy as part of our daughter's statement?

Thursday, 20 October 2011

You should expect your daughter's speech, language and communication needs to be described accurately and recognised as being an area of specific need over and above her general learning disability. The statement should detail the arrangements for her speech and language needs to be assessed on a regular basis (i.e. termly) and for a programme to be prepared by a speech and language therapist with specialist knowledge of children with Down's syndrome, and for this programme to be supported by appropriate training and back up to school based staff. Your daughter's communication goals should be incorporated in to her Individual Education Plan and integrated into her classroom activities. The speech and language therapist should assist the class teacher in differentiating the curriculum for your daughter in respect of the language used and in developing subject vocabulary. Ideally, the provision should include the opportunity for face to face intervention from a speech and language therapist when this is indicated from the regular assessment, for example, to work on specific speech programmes or grammar development. Provision should be quantified and specifically stated in order that any disputes may be clearly defined and addressed. In order that parents and other family members may play their part, it is important that the visiting therapist maintains contact with the family though direct liaison and written reports.