Children with complex communications needs across Western Australia will soon be able to explore a broader selection of updated equipment and accessories in the Indigo showroom, thanks to grant funding courtesy of Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Announced today, the funding will support Indigo in our work offering tailored programs and services to support children with complex communication needs using methods that include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Indigo Chief Executive Officer Steve Glew said Indigo played an important role in many West Australians’ decision making on the selection of AAC devices, providing impartial advice on multiple products from a range of suppliers.

“Indigo’s information and advice, training and therapy combined with access to a range of technology suited to children with complex communications needs has been a valuable part of our service offering to the WA community”, Mr Glew said. 

“I’m delighted that we will be able to update our showroom to provide WA families access and information on the latest equipment thanks to this Telethon funding.”

The term ‘complex communications needs’ encompasses a broad range of speech, language and communication impairments.  It can include people unable to speak but can communicate in other ways such as pointing or gestures, those who can speak but have difficulty in expressing their needs, or those with physical support needs that affect communication abilities.

This broad range of needs is reflected in the range of options available to assist those with complex communication needs.  Demonstration and trialling of available devices is a key factor in ensuring device features align with the child’s specific needs, and Indigo offers information and advice consultations for this purpose.

As Indigo is not an end seller of the product, our staff are able to provide impartial advice regarding multiple AAC products.  This gives children and their families greater opportunity for informed decision making, being provided with options across multiple variations to support their decision about longer term AAC use.

In updating AAC equipment and devices, Indigo will be able to better support children, their families and community therapists in learning about, testing, and selecting equipment that matches their individual needs.

To find out more about booking a consultation to check out some devices, please contact Indigo’s customer service team on help@indigosolutions.org.au