Laila Emms, speech and language therapist, Treloar School and College for disabled children.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Laila Emms works as a communication support specialist within the speech and language therapy department at Treloar School and College.
- What do you do?
I work as a communication support specialist within the speech and language therapy department at Treloar School and College. I work with our students who are deaf or have impaired hearing. Treloar supports around 300 students each year who have complex and sometimes multiple physical disabilities. They may also have a communication or sensory impairment and associated learning difficulties; about 40 per cent of students have little or no speech.
- How do you make a difference?
I develop communication books and resources that enable students to express opinions and make choices about their life. We use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to add to the more usual methods of speech and writing when these are impaired. AAC includes everything from unaided systems such as signing and gesture, to aided techniques such as picture charts and computer technology. I also support staff in the use of symbols. I recently completed a research study that looked at the teaching of symbols, the outcomes of which changed our working practice at school.
- How did you get into this area?
I had a serious accident working as a stunt performer and needed to retrain. I started sign language because I had broken my foot and it took nearly a year to walk again, and signing didn't require walking. From there, I got interested in speech and language therapy and completed an MSc in language and communication impairment in children at Sheffield University.
- What are the challenges?
I must always keep an open mind and not assume that I know what it is a student wants to communicate. Not having enough time to spend with students is another issue.
- What's the best part of the job?
Working in a team of like-minded professionals who value your contribution, and seeing students use their AAC equipment to express themselves - even if it's to say rude words.