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Speech Pathology

Helping you communicate, connect and participate

Communication is part of almost everything we do - from expressing what we need and connecting with others to learning, working and participating in everyday life.

 

Beanies provides Speech Pathology support for people of all ages, combining the expertise of an experienced Speech Pathologist with regular, in-person support from our local Allied Health Assistants.

What is Speech Pathology?

Communication is about more than speaking clearly

Speech Pathologists support people experiencing communication, feeding or swallowing challenges.

Speech Pathology can help with:

  • Understanding and using language

  • Speech sounds and being understood by others

  • Expressing needs, thoughts and feelings

  • Social communication and conversations

  • Fluency, including stuttering

  • Literacy-related communication skills

  • Feeding and swallowing

  • Using communication devices, visuals or other forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

  • Building confidence to communicate at home, school, work and in the community

  • Support is shaped around the individual.

 

We begin by understanding what is happening in everyday life, what is getting in the way and what would make the biggest practical difference.

Meet your team

Jenny Nunn
Senior Speech Pathologist

Jenny is an experienced Speech Pathologist supporting people across communication, feeding, swallowing and developmental needs.

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Jenny leads assessments, therapy planning, clinical decision-making and ongoing reviews. She works with participants through telehealth and travels to the Huon Valley regularly for in-person work with participants and the Beanies team.

Hannah Melmeth
Allied Health Assistant

Hannah has many years of experience supporting people across schools, clinics, homes and community settings.

 

She has extensive experience working with people with significant communication support needs and delivers both Speech and OT programs under guidance.

Kira Maass
Allied Health Assistant
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Kira works across both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy supports and is passionate about building genuine connections while helping participants feel supported and confident.

Dual-facilitated sessions

A dual-facilitated session brings you, Jenny and your Allied Health Assistant together.

 

Jenny joins by Zoom to provide clinical Speech Pathology support, while your AHA is with you in person to facilitate the session, practise strategies and help make the activities work in the room.

 

Dual-facilitated sessions are available as 30 or 45-minute appointments and may also include time for:

  • Jenny’s clinical notes

  • Your AHA’s session notes

  • Planning activities and strategies for your next appointment

AHA-facilitated sessions

Once Jenny has completed the necessary assessment and developed your therapy plan, some sessions may be delivered by your Allied Health Assistant without Jenny attending live.

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Your AHA follows Jenny’s clinical guidance, records what happens during the session and remains connected with Jenny so progress and emerging needs can be reviewed.

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AHA-facilitated sessions are only offered when recommended by Jenny and clinically appropriate for the participant.

Understanding the cost of your sessions

The cost of Speech Pathology support may include more than the time spent together during the appointment. Depending on the type of session, you may also be charged for clinical notes, AHA notes and preparation for the next appointment. This work helps Jenny and your AHA stay connected and ensures each session builds on the last.

Speech Pathologist

NDIS rate: $193.99 per hour

Private rate: $210.00 per hour

Allied Health Assistant

NDIS rate: $86.79 per hour
Private rate: $95.00 per hour

30 Minutes - 3.PNG
30 Minutes - 4.PNG

Click to see the breakdown of a 30 and 45 minute session

Frequently asked questions

Is Speech Pathology only for children?

No. Beanies provides Speech Pathology support for people of all ages. Your goals and therapy approach will be shaped around your age, communication needs and everyday life.

 

Do I need a referral?

You do not usually need a medical referral to contact Beanies.You can complete our onboarding form yourself, or a family member, Support Coordinator or another professional can help you get in touch.

 

Will I see Jenny or an Allied Health Assistant?

Jenny leads the clinical side of your Speech Pathology support, including assessment, goal-setting, therapy planning and reviews.Your regular in-person sessions may be facilitated by a Beanies Allied Health Assistant following Jenny’s plan. Jenny remains involved and adjusts the approach as your needs change.

 

Is an Allied Health Assistant a Speech Pathologist?

No. An Allied Health Assistant does not independently assess, diagnose or create a Speech Pathology treatment plan. They deliver activities and strategies developed by the Speech Pathologist and work under their guidance.

 

Is the service entirely telehealth?

No. The model combines telehealth access to Jenny with face-to-face support from an Allied Health Assistant in the Huon Valley. Jenny also travels to the area regularly for in-person work with participants and the Beanies team.

 

How often are sessions?

The frequency of sessions depends on your goals, availability and funding. Many participants benefit from regular AHA sessions supported by scheduled Speech Pathology reviews. We will recommend a structure after learning more about your needs.

 

Can Speech Pathology help with feeding or swallowing?

Yes. Speech Pathologists can assess and support some feeding and swallowing concerns. We will begin by learning more about what is happening and determine whether our service is appropriate. Where additional medical or specialist assessment is needed, we will explain this and help identify the safest next step.

 

Can you work with schools, workplaces or other therapists?

Yes. With your consent, we can collaborate with the other important people in your life. This may include family members, schools, workplaces, support workers and other therapists.

 

Can NDIS funding be used?

Speech Pathology may be funded through an NDIS plan when it relates to the participant’s disability, goals and funded supports. Before beginning, we can help you understand the proposed service, relevant rates and how it may fit within your available funding.

 

What happens first?

We begin with a conversation about what is happening, what support you are looking for and what matters most to you. From there, we will explain the recommended next step. This may include an assessment with Jenny before regular AHA sessions begin.

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