Communication Services

Who We Are

• We are an agency of professionals who assume competence in all individuals
• We are Speech and Language Specialists and others working to train persons on being better communication partners.
• We are able to use strategies that increase the person’s use of speech, body language, and technology so that they are actively participating in the conversation and learning.
• Our focus is not only on the individual with the severe communication impairment, but also on the communication partners.
• The overall goal is for an individual to have the most efficient means of communication available.
• We know it is best to team with the educators, occupational therapist, behavioral support persons, and families and strive to work with teams who focus on the individual.
• Our agency is able to provide services in our therapy office or at your site. We are listed as a Non Public Agency with the California Department of Education. (> To request a Non Public Agency packet email MLopez at wapadh.com)

“Communication is like breathing.” – Joey Rosenbloom

Our Vision

• Our vision is to support families and teams who are not currently receiving communication services, and have to use unacceptable practice to receive support in their homes. This compromise is not necessary.
• People can change the way they view individuals with severe communication impairments and developmental disorders when the assume competence of all.
• We are all communicators and with today’s technology and knowledge individuals who don’t speak are also showing the ability to communicate.
• Communication is what allows us to connect with others, and develop long lasting as well as short term yet important relationships.
• When provided with the appropriate supports individuals with severe communication impairments are able to show their understanding, and contribution.
• Knowledge is functional. Education is appropriate for all. Without communication it is difficult to participate in education, personal goals, and every day life. A program that chooses to deny a person access to communicate can not be accepted as a program in the persons best interest.
• There is a shortage in professionals who understand communication for those who are severely communication impaired. WAPADH’’s Communication Services offer trainings to those who support these individuals to create a communicative environment for all.

It is our vision, at WAPADH, that all persons will have their right to communicate fulfilled.

“Knowledge IS functional.” – Darlene Hanson

Speech and Language Assessment

Assessments include both standardized testing and observations, inventories may be used as well. The assessment is conducted at our site and within the natural context. The amount of time needed is dependent on the person and the communication partners. A report is included with this service.

Speech and Language Therapy

We provide speech language and augmentative communication services. Therapy is designed to create a more communicative environment. Direct services can include speech therapy, oral motor therapy, language development, use of AAC, use of FC and fading, coaching of communication partners, and more. Therapy with certified staff. Sessions can be one clinical hour (50 min.) or one half hour. Sessions are held in our office.

Augmentative and Assistive Technology Assessment

Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations include interview, observation at your site, assessment of both low tech and high tech systems, and report writing.

Communication Workshops

These monthly workshops provide an opportunity for individuals and their families, staff, teachers, etc. to receive some personal coaching on how to use augmentative communication systems.  These workshops are free-of-charge but you MUST make a reservation.  Please call Yvette @ 562-946-0467 x400 if you would like to attend.  Click here for a complete list of future dates.

Communication Coaching

Coaching can be conducted at our site, or within the individual’s natural environment. Coaching is provided by trained staff. The goal of coaching is to explain the communicative needs of the individual and support the team and communication partners in learning to support the greatest level of communication possible for the person, with the least amount of support.

AAC/AC support

We are available to support your communication and technology needs. We can teach individuals to use their equipment more efficiently. We can develop low tech communication systems, program high tech equipment, and train communication partners to use the technology.

“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change.” – Wayne Dyer

Training seminars

Seminars are designed for both small and large group trainings. They can be presented at your site, or in our classroom setting. Topics can include inclusion, being a communication partner, Facilitated Communication, communication and processing for persons with Autism or other developmental disabilities, and creating a communicative environment, as well as other customized topics to meet your needs. Trainings can be 3 hours, or two days depending on your goals.

Off Line Consultations

Clients can provide a DVD of themselves and their communication partners. The DVD will be reviewed. There is a one-hour phone consultation following the review of the DVD. The client places the phone call. A written summary will follow the phone call.
Rates are subject to change and will be determined on an individual basis prior to implementation of service.

Staff

Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC

This is Darlene

Darlene has been a Speech and Language Pathologist for 20 years, working with individuals with severe communication impairments. Her expertise in working with individuals who are “non verbal” and use alternate modes of communication, as well as in the area of speech development for persons with severe motor apraxia as it relates to autism. She worked in the public school setting as a school based clinician and program specialist, taught university level courses at Chapman University. She currently provides training on autism, full inclusion, creating a communicative environment and Facilitated Communication. Darlene has published research in the area of Facilitated Communication, and is a recognized Facilitated Communication Trainer. She coaches school staff, families, and support staff to use Best Practice when using Facilitated Communication. Darlene was the technical consultant on the television movie “Touch of Truth”, and has been an expert witness describing communication. She is currently s a member of ASHA, CSHA, and TASH. She is the TASH Communication Committee Chair.