Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service

Who we are

We are a multi-disciplinary team, based in Ashford, which provides a regional specialist assessment service and which supports specialist communication and assistive technology for children and young people.

We work in partnership with schools and families to provide communication and assistive technology solutions that enable children and young people to enjoy themselves, develop independence, participate and achieve.

What we do

We take a specialist multi-disciplinary approach to an assessment, intervention and review of a child or young person’s needs. The assessment may lead to:

• the selection and provision of specialist assistive technology
• a loan to explore effectiveness of potential provision of specialist assistive technology.

Assessments may be offered that will not provide equipment. These assessments will provide us with an opportunity to explore complex communication in more detail.

Specialist clinical engineering and technical support is provided, which includes repair and maintenance to any equipment provided by our service.

How do you use this service?

You need to be referred by a health, education or social care professional to use this service.

For information about eligibility, please see our service criteria.

For more information about the service please see our page on the Kelsi website.

Who we are

We are a multi-disciplinary team, based in Canterbury, which works to meet the needs of people requiring specialist alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).

We are made up of occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, teachers, therapy assistant practitioners, healthcare scientists and administrators.

Our healthcare scientists are a group of clinical technologists, clinical scientists and trainees experienced in the field of electronic assistive technology (EAT). They are also experienced in manufacturing bespoke solutions where off-the-shelf equipment does not meet the needs of our clients.

What we do

We work with other organisations, such as the wheelchair service and environmental control service where integration of technology is considered or joint working is necessary for the benefit of our client.

We work closely with our clients to provide them with equipment/software that meets their needs. Most software packages are individually programmed for each client. We organise follow-ups and reviews to make sure our the changing needs of our clients are met. We also offer training to clients, families, their carers and local therapists.

How do you use this service?

You need to be referred by a health, education or social care professional to use this service.

For information about eligibility, please see our service criteria.

For more information about the service please see our page on the Kelsi website.