Donaldson's is Scotland's national school for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties.
Speech and Language Therapists
The speech & language therapists are employed directly by the school and are responsible for promoting and supporting an inclusive communication environment across Donaldson's. There is a broad range of specialist expertise within the department including expertise in working with deaf children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and children who use alternative and augmentative forms of communication. As well as working with pupils of all ages to develop language and communication skills, the therapists support with feeding skills when required, and work closely with the chef to provide visual menus and to promote social communication within the bistro.
Speech & language therapy input is an integral part of the education provision and is delivered according to the needs of each individual. Therapists contribute to the writing of an Individual Communication Profile for each pupil which summarises their communication skills and makes recommendations on how best to support the pupil's communication for learning. Therapists also contribute to the writing of IEP targets for the pupils and liaise regularly with parents and other agencies to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to communication and language development. Therapy is delivered in a range of ways, including offering individual and group support. Pupils may be supported by a therapist in class or may be withdrawn for more specific therapy support. The therapists also run project based work to promote the pupils' communication skills in the wider community.
The speech & language therapists regularly contribute to training of parents and other professionals and this work has taken them as far afield as Bangladesh in order to train undergraduate SLT students there. Our highly specialised team are actively involved in continuing professional development including participation in special interest groups and research projects.
"The use of Sign Supported English in school and at home has been fundamental to developing the communication skills the rest of us take for granted. That communication is the essential tool that allows us to enter his world and for him to participate in ours. Without it, we would still be whistling in the dark"
Parent commenting on his sons progress at Donaldson's, March 2011
- 01506 841900
- Textphone/Minicom 01506 841902
- Donaldson's, Preston Road,
Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6HZ
Donaldson's (Governors of Donaldson Trust) is a registered charity (SC017417)
Donaldson's is a Grant Aided Special School supported by the Scottish Government
