Access to Communication is a highly-regarded professional service dedicated to improving the lives of those facing challenges with their communication skills. The practice is led by Abi, a highly specialist speech and language therapist with a diverse range of experience in the paediatric and adult learning disability sectors.
I am the clinical director of Access to Communication. Since qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2010, I have dedicated my career to working with individuals with complex communication disorders, particularly autism, learning disabilities, and individuals with brain injury. I focus on developing tailored and creative communication systems, conducting detailed assessments and formulating person-centred management plans. After a career across various sectors and client groups.
I established my independent clinical practice in 2020, aiming to provide high-quality, bespoke, client-led services across the Southwest. I particularly wanted to provide specialist knowledge and expertise regarding the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support the development of expersssive spoken communication or to be used as an alternative to spoken communication. I have qualified in a range of specialist areas including Pragmatically Organised Dynamic Display, Gestalt Language Processing.
I graduated in 2023 as a Speech and Language Therapist after becoming fascinated with what SLTs do and the impact it can have. I’ve always loved working with people, and a career in speech and language therapy perfectly combines both this and my interest in communication. I continue my passion supporting individuals and families on their communication journey. I aim for therapy to be playful, supportive, and family-centred, making sure that therapy feels positive, practical, and achievable in everyday life.
I have particular interests in speech sound development, language skills, and AAC, and I enjoy working closely with families to build confidence and celebrate communication. I have completed several training courses to continually work on my skills. This has included training in AAC and GLP, as well as Makaton levels 1-4, further training in Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders, cued articulation, and Down’s Syndrome. This training allows me to use a range of evidence-based approaches that can be tailored to each child’s individual needs.
I am committed to continually developing my knowledge and skills by keeping up to date with research and attending further training. Above all, I care deeply about making a difference for the children and families I work with – supporting communication for individuals to grow in confidence and thrive.
At Access to Communication, we value professionalism and competency above all else. Each of our therapists holds a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and maintains registration with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health and Care Professions Council. Moreover, all our therapists are proud members of The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP). By adhering to the rigorous guidelines of these esteemed institutions, we ensure the delivery of exceptional services to all our clients.
