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Who
We Are
North Words, the
preschool speech & language service system for the Kenora &
Rainy River Districts, is a new program that is the result of a joint
initiative with the Ministries of Health, Community and Social Services,
Citizenship and Culture, and Education and Training. This is one of
32 preschool speech/language programs being implemented across Ontario.
North Words, is a
partnership of district agencies that provide speech, language and
hearing services to preschool children (birth to age 5).
The Northwestern
Health Unit was selected as the lead agency for this initiative.
Other agencies include:
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Riverside
Health Care Facilities |
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Integrated
Services for Northern Children |
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Community
Care Access Centre |
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Atikokan
General Hospital |
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Lake
of the Words Child Development Centre |
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Local
School Boards
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Highlights
of North Words
This
program, which integrates and enhances the services of agencies
currently providing speech/language intervention, will create an easily
accessible system that will prevent, identify and treat speech/language
disorders of preschool children. This program will allow equal
access to all residents of the Kenora-Rainy River District.
This integrated system is based on eight components:
1. EARLY IDENTIFICATION
Every
child in the district will have access to appropriate methods of
identification of speech/language delays by 18 months of age.
Inservices, screening clinics, screening tools and educational materials
will be made available throughout the Kenora-Rainy River District.
2. SIMPLIFIED ACCESS
Every
client will be able to access speech/language services through a single
point of entry. A Resource Centre has been set up in Dryden, and a
toll-free line has been installed that can be utilized throughout the
district. This number is 1-877-553-7122. Through this number
residents can obtain general speech and language information, referrals
for a speech/language assessment, and access to speech/language
programs.
3. COMMON INTAKE
Combined
with the simplified access to speech & language services, a central
database has been developed to coordinate clients and service providers.
4. ASSESSMENT
Every
preschool child in the Kenora-Rainy River District will be guaranteed to
receive an assessment by a Speech Language Pathologist as appropriate,
and in a timely fashion.
5. RANGE OF INTERVENTIONS
Currently,
direct one-on-one therapy is the most common intervention method
utilized in this district. An objective of this initiative is to
increase the range of interventions available to the child and their
family. This will include Hanen education programs for parents and
early childhood educators, utilization of Communication Assistants as
needed throughout the district, speech/language therapy groups, mediated
therapy, home programs, interdisciplinary groups, and other innovative
interventions best suited to the child's need.
6. TRANSITION
Working
with school boards, all preschool children who require speech/language
services will experience a seamless transition to the school system.
7. PARENT SUPPORT/EDUCATION
Culturally
appropriate educational opportunities will be offered to every
parent/caregiver in the district. A wide variety of programs,
groups, and activities are planned to reach all parents/ caregivers in
the district.
8. PUBLIC AWARENESS
There
will be an on-going, district-wide public awareness campaign focusing on
speech, language and hearing issues.
The
Central Resource Centre for North Words is located in Dryden, Ontario
and can be contacted at 1-877-553-7122.
Contact us if:
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You
are concerned about your child's speech, language or hearing
development and want to be referred for help |
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You
want general information about communication development |
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You
want more communication tips |
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You
want to find out about screening clinics or other speech/language
or hearing services provided in your area. |
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