Who can have this service and what do we provide?

Speech and language therapists work with people who have communication and swallowing difficulties. We work with people whose difficulties impact negatively on their, or their carer’s quality of life. The department also provides advice on how to make information easy to understand.

Communication

We aim to improve a person’s functional communication skills. We will carry out an assessment of their skills and environment. We provide advice, programmes and training to help communication between the person and their carers.

Swallowing Problems

Eating, drinking and swallowing problems may be due to physical or behavioural difficulties. People may -

  • drool
  • spill food or drink from their mouth
  • have difficulty chewing
  • cough or choke when swallowing

We will assess the person’s difficulties and suggest ways of making swallowing safe and enjoyable.

Accessible information

We can offer guidance on how to make information easy to understand including:

  • how to produce visual information for people with a learning disability, e.g. leaflets
  • how to present information for people with a learning disability, e.g. lead a group activity

Will I have to pay for this service?

No, It is provided free, according to health need.

Who provides this service?

There is a small team of speech and language therapists in the Learning Disabilities Integrated Team.

Where do we provide this service?

We can visit people in their homes and in their community activities.

How to get this service

In the first instance contact your social worker or the Community Learning Disabilities Team at:

30 Coleridge Road
Walthamstow  E17 6QU

tel 020 8521 0337
fax 020 8521 8511


Please note that for advice about eating and drinking difficulties a GP referral is necessary.