Hill House are proud to be part of the '100 Voices' initiative, an innovative new project from Smartbox and CareTech providing the best in augmentative and assistive technology across both CareTech Adult’s and Children's Services including Cambian Schools. Smartbox's AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices, enable those who are non-verbal or who have severe communication difficulties to have a voice and in turn, allow them to live a more independent life.
For those in our care that struggle with speech or the ability to communicate, the inclusion of these devices allows provisions, such as Hill House School, to support children to communicate as effectively as possible, in as many situations as possible. Recognising the importance of keeping in touch with friends and family, the opportunity to control the devices around them and everyday activities such as browsing the internet or ordering lunch, every device is bespoke to each student’s needs and requirements.
Led by Principal, Kate Landells, she explains:
"Many of our children are non-verbal but have responded to a range of communication aids, which shows us the potential voice that is there to be nurtured and listened to.
We believe strongly in choice being the number one thing we can give our children, whether this what to have for lunch or what to wear that day.
However busy life is, we want to stop and listen to that voice. In the assessment process, it was very clear to us that Smartbox is going to develop both the voices and choices of our children".
As part of ‘Care Home Open Week’ Kate took the opportunity to showcase this technology to Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the Liberal Democrats. Following a tour of the School's grounds and after meeting staff and students at the school, Sir Ed’s commitment to social care was obvious, "Hill House school, and so many other similar schools across the country, are vital community assets, that enrich so many lives – the work they do is inspirational and so important."
And we couldn’t agree more!
