Communication Resource Centre

Supporting people with complex communication needs.

Scope’s Communication Resource Centre (CRC)  is part of the Communication Access Network (CAN) in Victoria for people with complex communication needs.  We are funded by the Department of Human Services.

The aim of the CRC and Regional Communication Services is to ensure that people with communication difficulties and their communication partners, communicate successfully and effectively.

What are communication difficulties?

People with communication difficulties either cannot speak or have speech that is difficult to understand.  They rely on multiple ways of communicating.  Some people may also have difficulty understanding spoken language (speech). 

Complex communication needs may be associated with a developmental disability such as cerebral palsy or autism, or result from an acquired disability such as a stroke or motor neurone disease.

What services does the Communication Resource Centre  provide?

The Communication Resource Centre provides information, advice, resources and services relating to the many different aspects of communication disabilities. Services and supports provided aim to build community awareness and support community participation. We collaborate with a wide range of groups and individuals to provide:

• Accessible Information – We develop plain and Easy English information. We also provide training. View our Training Calendar for dates.
• Education & Training – We can tailor education/training to meet the needs of individuals or organisations. View our Training Calendar for dates.
• Non-electronic communication aids – These are available for adults through the Non Electronic Communication Aids Scheme (NECAS).
• Regional Communication Services – Support individuals to communicate effectively and participate in their own communities.
• Resources – A range of resources such as Assessments and publications.

Community inclusion and awareness 

We aim to increase community awareness and the involvement of people with communication difficulties in their local and broader community.

This can be achieved through three simple words – communicate, educate and participate.

Communication –other than speech (Alternative and Augmentative Communication)

A major focus for the service is providing information and advice in communication other than speech. This includes:

• Using communication aids like boards or books with pictures, photos, symbols or objects
• Key word sign and gesture. Makaton Australia.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication can be used temporarily until speech develops or recovers, or it may be used on a more permanent basis. It is used by people with complex communication needs and their communication partners.