Alternative Communication Seminar in Odesa
A seminar on alternative and augmentative communication was held for healthcare professionals in Odesa.
This event was organized with the support of the Odesa City Health Department and the Regional Early Intervention Methodological Center.
Specialists from various fields participated, including physical medicine, palliative care, family doctors, pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists, nurses, and early intervention teams.
Alternative and augmentative communication methods are essential for individuals with complex communication needs who cannot speak verbally or have difficulties understanding speech.
These methods are particularly beneficial for those who temporarily cannot speak due to injury or surgery or have lost the ability to communicate due to a stroke or other illness. They are also crucial assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, autism, hearing impairments, and developmental disorders.
To support communication, gestures, sign language, drawings, photos, pictograms, various devices, mobile applications, and speech synthesizers are utilized.
Mastering alternative and augmentative communication techniques greatly assists professionals providing medical services or caring for patients.
Broadly speaking, these communication methods provide opportunities for social integration and uphold individuals' rights to medical assistance, facilitating barrier-free access to information and community life.
Last week, a seminar on alternative communication was also held for social workers, cultural institution staff, educators, and psychologists. This training is part of the City Target Program "Barrier-Free Odesa".
Accessibility is not just about architectural features like ramps and elevators; it also pertains to ensuring that all individuals can access necessary services, including medical care.
The Odesa city government is systematically working towards developing a barrier-free environment to fulfill the National Strategy for creating an accessible space in Ukraine by 2030.
BARRIER-FREE ODESA
