Inclusive Education

Speech Language Pathologists

The Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) are dedicated to providing specialist support in the areas of communication and literacy development for students, parents and staff of our Catholic schools. Speech Language Pathology services are provided in two specialty areas.

Early Years Oral Language

Our staff provide support and education to the school community about the importance of oral language development in Prep to Year 2 age and the necessary tools for school staff to continue to enrich the oral language development of students.

Students with Disability

This service provides individualised support and assessments to students who have or are suspected of having a Speech-Language Impairment (SLI) or other disability. Specialist Speech Language Pathology services may also include:

• Screening of students skills in the areas of speech, language, fluency (stuttering) and/or literacy development with provision of recommendations and reporting.
• Formal Speech and Language assessment and reporting.
• Development and monitoring of individualised intervention programs and goal setting.
• Professional development opportunities for staff and information sessions for parents.
• Advisory service to schools around the use and implementation of whole class and small group programs for literacy / language / speech development.
• Consultation and collaboration on Townsville Catholic Education Office initiatives, including pilot projects, data collection and advisory committees.

Advisory Visiting Specialists

The Advisory Visiting Specialists play a key role in the delivery of quality education to students with disability. 

Our Advisory Visiting Specialist team is made up of qualified specialists.

Hearing Impairment Services

• Providing direct support to students identified with hearing impairment and assisting the school team to understand educational implications.
• Providing support to teachers  through:
  • Specialist Advice relating to adaptation of curriculum, modification of the learning environment, resources and specialised equipment.
  • Implementation of flexible approach to learning activities.
  • Participating in educational planning to support educational outcomes.
• Providing professional development to staff regarding hearing impairment and classroom support.
• Advocating for the supply and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitoring and evaluating the use of recommended equipment and provide ongoing training to staff.

Inclusion 

Our Advisory Visiting Specialists - Inclusion (AVS-I) are committed to ensuring that students with disability have equal access to learning that will optimise their learning potential.

AVS-I work with school staff and specialists to determine access and educational requirements for students. This may be in the form of curriculum or environmental adjustments, transport assistance, assistive technology or physical access issues requiring structural modifications.

The role of AVS-I is to:

• Help optimise the educational opportunities, engagement and learning outcomes for students with the highest educational needs.

• Enhance collaboration with other professional support staff to ensure expertise from a range of services.

• Ensure learners have access to a relevant curriculum and effective instruction within a positive inclusive learning environment.

AVS-Is focus on working with classroom teachers to improve outcomes for students with disability or additional support needs.

AVS-Is regularly meet with specialist support staff, parents, school staff and other service providers to develop, implement and evaluate Learning Plan/personalising learning for students with additional support needs.

AVS-I's also facilitate professional learning for teachers and school officer in areas such as (check PD)

English as an Additional Language or Dialect

Our Advisory Visiting Specialist - EALD (AVS-EALD) is committed to ensuring that students for whom English is not their first language have equal access to learning that will optimise their learning potential.

AVS-EALD work with school staff and specialists to determine access and educational requirements for students. This may be in the form of curriculum or environmental adjustments, intensive language support or assistive technology.

The role of AVS-EALD is to:

• Help optimise the educational opportunities, engagement and learning outcomes for students with English as an additional language or dialect.

• Enhance collaboration with other professional support staff to ensure expertise from a range of services.

• Ensure learners have access to a relevant curriculum and effective instruction within a positive inclusive learning environment.

• Liaise with community groups to increase the support structures around newly arrived families

AVS-EALD is focused on working with schools to improve engagement and outcomes for EAL/D students.

AVS-EALD regularly meets with class teachers, specialist support staff, parents, school staff and other service providers to develop, implement and evaluate Learning Plan/personalising learning for students with English as an additional language or dialect.

AVS-EALD also facilitates professional learning for teachers and school officers.