Kelly Dimmick

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#PartnerAssistedScanning is a key #AAC strategy which involves offering the #PwRS choices and using their method of communicating yes and no to allow them to make a decision.
https://t.co/fffuWJcQiX

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

What are our take home messages of the day? People with #RettSyndrome can be great communicators; they have the ability to learn throughout their lives; they need effective tools, good communication partners, and plenty of opportunities. Join us in supporting #RettSyndrome.

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

Thank you for engaging with the #RettUK #CommunicationAndEducationTeam today. If you want to become a #CPN member and continue the discussion around #RettSyndrome, or have any questions, get in touch. @RettUK @gstownend @Abigail090510 @TrAACeyc @BeccasStudies @DimmickKelly

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#KellysTop5
Number 5: With the right support, patience, understanding, and effort, Amy can do whatever she puts her mind to, even being quite cheeky, sassy and telling jokes. Effective communication allows her personality to shine. #IHaveSomethingToSay

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#KellysTop5
Number 3: My daughter’s diagnosis came with unhelpful statements about cognitive age and ability. #SLTs should always presume that #PwRS have the ability to learn and communicate and provide suitable support and opportunities to learn and develop. #RettSyndrome

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#KellysTop5
Number 4: Everyone needs to be on the same page for successful communication. #PwRS need a #SLT who is on board to get a device, willing schools to support learning through #AAC, and family and carers to be trained in #Modelling. #RettSyndrome

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

In this final section we asked @DimmickKelly, mum to Amy, the top 5 things she wants #SLTs to understand when they are working with her daughter and other #PwRS. Join us over the next hour for #KellysTop5.

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#KellysTop5
Number 1: #SLTs should know that my daughter understands and is able to communicate her thoughts and feelings. She has a good yes and no and strong opinions. #RettSyndrome

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#KellysTop5
Number 2: My daughter has similar interests to her peers. #Age-appropriate learning and activities keep her motivated and stimulated. Withdrawal from these has often resulted in depression. Awareness of #MentalHealth issues in #RettSyndrome is important.

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

.@RettUK #RegionalCommunicationChampion Joanna discusses her experience of #bilingualism in #RettSyndrome in her family, who speak Polish, Italian and English.

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

Is an individual ever too old to start using AAC? Brett, dad to Charlotte, talks about their communication journey. Do you work with adults with #RettSyndrome? Share your challenges and success stories with us. #NeverTooEarlyNeverTooLate

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#AAC companies are creating pagesets in an increasing number of languages, and although there is a lot of work still needed, some softwares now give #PwRS the opportunity to switch between two languages within the same pagesets. https://t.co/I1nZu07ve0

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

People with #Rett syndrome can be, and are, bilingual. Research so far has found no reason to limit #PwRS to one language. Do you have #bilingual clients with #RettSyndrome? How do you support them to develop all of their languages?

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

Friendships are not only fun, but research also suggests they help us stay healthier and live longer by reducing loneliness. Friends can help give our lives purpose, provide joy, and relieve stress! How do you support friendships for your people with #RettSyndrome?

[Kelly Dimmick @DimmickKelly]

@GivingVoiceUK @RettUK

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

When #PwRS are dysregulated, it can lead to problems with breathing and motor control as well as difficulties controlling behaviour. Us remaining calm is one of the best ways to help people regulate. What do you do to maintain calm under pressure? #RettSyndrome

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

Being in nature or with nature is very regulating. @RettUK we are always delighted to find new accessible places to explore. So please fill up this thread with pics of people with #RettSyndrome outdoors or with a beloved animal.

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

In the next section @gstownend #SLT, researcher and Project Lead @RettUK talks about #RettSyndrome research and the #RettSyndromeCommunicationGuidelines. Are you a #SLT working with #PwRS? Why not share your experiences, challenges and therapy tips with us now.

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

All #PwRS were previously considered severely cognitively impaired; research using assessments adapted for eye gaze shows that to be untrue, there is a broad range of cognitive ability and receptive language.
#NotOneSizeFitsAll #AdaptedAssessment

https://t.co/XuVYL0GdP6

[Giving Voice @GivingVoiceUK]

#PresumingCompetence or #PresumingPotential. Which do you prefer? This has been controversial since Donnellan wrote about it in 1984. The debate is still as relevant for #PwRS and others with #CCN and #AAC needs today. What does it mean for you?

https://t.co/1h70UKeXOq