Compass is a multi-disciplinary team which means we have specialists from a number of disciplines working together. This includes Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Technology and Technical Support.

Compass Specialist Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Service

If you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us using the following details:

Meet the team Contact Us

020 8780 4500 ext. 5107 compass@rhn.org.uk

rhn.org.uk/compass

Compass Specialist AAC ServiceRoyal Hospital for Neuro-disabilityWest Hill, PutneyLondon, SW15 3SW

Jane BacheAssistive

Technology Manager & Clinical

Technologist

Gary Derwent

Clinical Lead & Occupational

Therapist

Richard CaveSpeech & Language Therapist

Helen Paterson

Speech and Language Therapist

Gerard Cullen Clinical

Technologist

Dante RossiTechnical Support

Aisha UppalTechnical Support

Compass - what we doWe assess and provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). These are other methods of communicating that can be used alongside, or instead of, talking. We will make recommendations based on your needs and provide support to help you achieve these.

Our service is for adults (18 years and over) who have difficulty communicating using speech and who may also have physical difficulties which impact further on their ability to communicate.

What does Augmentative and Alternative Communication mean?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a term used to describes devices or systems that help people to communicate if they have difficulty speaking. This could be through electronic means such as computers which provide a synthesised voice, or non-electronic means such as communication books, alphabet charts and other paper-based solutions.

AAC can be a way to help someone’s understanding, as well as a means of expression.

There are many ways to operate a communication device. These range from finger typing and pressing specialist switches, to using the head to control a mouse or even using eyes through an eye gaze system.

What to expect at an assessmentIf possible, it is ideal that we complete your assessment here at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney. However, if you are unable to get here we can arrange to see you at an alternative venue, such as your home. This will be arranged with the health professional that referred you to us.

At an initial assessment, we will:

Discuss the difficulties you are experiencing and what you would like help with.

Explore different ways of communicating, and try different techniques and equipment.

Look at different methods to help you access and use the equipment.

Agree goals with you.

Next steps following the assessmentYou may need to trial a communication aid to establish whether it works for you.

When the best solution for you has been identified and agreed upon, the equipment will be set up for you to use.

A recommendation summary is completed by our team and shared with you. This will include recommendations regarding equipment and techniques which may help you.

Purchasing arrangements if a communication aid is needed If you are being assessed on behalf of the NHS, the recommended equipment will be provided from NHS specialised commissioning.

What to do if the communication device breaks

Contact the Compass team and we will try to help you.

We will ‘log into’ your computer or device remotely and attempt to fix the issue over the phone.

If we are unable to resolve the issue, we may need to collect the equipment and send it away for repair.

If you are dependent on your device for communication, we will do everything we can to provide a loan device, until your system is working again.

Our team is available for on-going support and advice as may be necessary. We work closely with your local health professionals and carers to make sure that all methods of communication and technology are integrated into your environment.

Discuss and decide whether an additional visit is needed for further assessment and support.