OUR APPROACH
The Happy Space follows a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model, which is an evidence-based model whereby clients are provided with different levels of support based on their need, and allows more people to access the supports they require.
Clients with complex disabilities who require the highest level of support have individual sessions with a speech pathologist, occupational therapist and/or play therapist. This includes children who have multiple or rare disabilities, who are non-speaking and require support with Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) or who require support with safe swallowing, feeding and mealtimes. These students may also be part of a group, and receive additional supports from an allied health assistant.
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
Our AHAs run small group therapy sessions of two to four children using systematic, prescriptive and evidence-based programs, to support literacy and language. The planning and facilitation of these small groups is overseen by a speech pathologist. These sessions are able to run at a really low cost to families. We also try to make sure session times are convenient for families, with sessions running on Saturdays or at schools.
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANTS
Group therapy from a speech pathologist is for the more dynamic areas of support, including social communication, early language and play. The planning and facilitation of these larger groups is carried out by a speech pathologist, and speech pathologists also offer one-off sessions to these children for standardised language assessments and termly school consultation.
GROUP THERAPY
