Availability and Delivery of Speech-Language Pathology Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in South- Eastern Ontario

This paper describes the provision of speech, language, swallowing, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in South-Eastern Ontario. Results reveal that the needs of persons with ID requiring communication supports are not being met. Given this mismatch of service and need, the Communication Helper Program was developed. Sixteen developmental service agencies have designated staff member(s) to serve as Communication Helpers (CH). The purpose of the program is to ensure that communication and/or feeding programs are maintained over time, and for the CH to promote improved communication interactions and swallowing safety within each agency