Scope nominated for Early Years Award

Scope, in partnership with Merriang Special Developmental School, was recently selected as a finalist for the Early Years Awards for the Better Access to Early Years category for their Collaborate, Connect, Communicate Project.

Started three years ago, the aim of the project is to increase access to services across the school for students with a disability.

Best practice principles indicate that intervention is most effective in the student’s natural environment when embedded in everyday practice.

Scope’s Speech Pathologist worked in collaboration with educational staff (teachers and educational supports) to identify areas of knowledge and skills for further development. Strategies for communication were then able to be incorporated into the curriculum and everyday interactions and learning.

A series of workshops were presented, with Communication Coordinators appointed to work with the teachers and educational support staff to implement strategies in the classroom.

Since beginning the project, students have increased their levels of engagement, participation and learning.

Scope now presents Occupational Therapy in a similar manner to the school. The Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist are able to continue to build the capacity of the staff by consulting in the students’ classrooms.

View an overview of the presentation that was presented by Scope at the DEECD Innovations Showcase Conference earlier this year.

For further information on the project please contact Enaksha Garde, Scope Speech Pathologist, 03 8311 4035 or egarde@scopevic.org.au.