The Suffolk Communication Aids Resource Centre (SCARC) provides assessment, support, training and advice for children and young people up to the age of 25 who may benefit from using a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA).
We offer a loan bank for communication aids, with both short and long-term loans available. We are responsible for maintaining and repairing all loaned equipment.
SCARC also gives specialist advice on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals who support children and young people with communication difficulties.
Our multi-disciplinary team includes speech and language therapists, an occupational therapist, a communication aid practitioner, a communication aid assistant and an administrator. Together, we specialise in supporting children and young people who use AAC.
We work with children and young people aged 0 to 25 who live within the Suffolk County Council area and who need an assessment for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Contact the SCARC team
Suffolk Communication Aids Resource Centre, Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy, Defoe Road, Ipswich, IP1 6SG
A communication aid helps a child or young person express themselves using alternative methods. These aids can be:
Low-tech – usually paper-based, using pictures, symbols or words that the person can point to.
High-tech – electronic devices that use pictures, symbols or words selected by touch, switch or eye movement.
Electronic communication aids are operated by pointing to or pressing a key or area on a screen that shows a picture, symbol or word.
Children or young people with very limited movement may use other ways to control their aid, such as switches or eye gaze technology.
Communication aids are often used by children and young people with physical or learning disabilities.
If a communication aid is recommended after a SCARC assessment:
Communication aids costing less than £1,000 are provided directly to the child or young person.
Communication aids costing more than £1,000 are reviewed by the SCARC Management Group for funding approval.
When a communication aid is introduced, it is important that everyone supporting the child or young person knows how to use it.
SCARC provides:
training sessions for parents, carers and professionals when a new communication aid is introduced
maintenance and repairs for communication devices if something goes wrong
bespoke training sessions for parents, carers and settings on a range of topics related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
We aim to see your child or young person within 18 weeks of receiving the referral.
We aim to see your child or young person in a place that is familiar and comfortable for them.
Once we have received your referral, we will review it and, if accepted, offer an assessment appointment with the SCARC team.
Appointments may take place face to face or virtually, depending on what is most suitable for your child or young person. We invite everyone who supports them – including family members and staff from their school or setting – to take part or share information to help with the assessment.
During the assessment, we look at all the ways your child or young person communicates, including any communication systems they already use.
If a communication aid is recommended, we will apply for funding and arrange for the equipment to be loaned to them. Training and technical support are provided before and after the communication aid is given.
We do not see children or young people who need technology to help with writing or recording but do not have a communication difficulty.
We welcome your comments, compliments and suggestions.
If you have any queries or concerns with any aspect of your child or young person's care that cannot be resolved with your clinician please contact the team leader.
