Comprehensive Literacy
A framework that supports every student to develop meaningful communication skills, no matter their ability. Comprehensive literacy involves all aspects of literacy and communication including reading, writing listening, speaking and using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Sensory Processing
Forrest Parade School believes that correctly administered sensory processing interventions support children to engage in their learning. To be ready to learn, a child must be able to pay attention to a variety of different stimuli whilst filtering out irrelevant stimuli. This needs to happen together with maintaining a Calm-Alert state.
Our Consultants
Jane Farrall
Jane is a speech pathologist and special educator passionate about literacy, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology. She is a regular presenter and keynote speaker at conferences, as well as running single day and multi-day workshops.
With over 30 years of experience in the disability and assistive technology field she has lots of practical experience working with people with a range of abilities. This includes extensive practical experience in both Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and in teaching children and adults with disabilities to acquire literacy. Jane has worked as a school and adult service-based speech pathologist and literacy teacher. She has also worked as an assistive technology specialist at both ComTEC and at Spectronics and is currently working as an independent consultant in literacy, AAC and Assistive Technology.
Helen Tainsh
Helen Tainsh is a Speech Pathologist with over 30 years of experience of working with students who use AAC. She presents regularly on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) at conferences & workshops. Helen worked at the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne for approximately 25 years and has a private practice. Helen consults regularly in several Specialist Schools, supporting implementation of AAC and comprehensive literacy instruction. She has a strong interest in AAC and literacy and has been instrumental in using Comprehensive Literacy Instruction with many students to improve their literacy skills.
Katerina Tzoutzidis
Katerina Tzoutzidis is an occupational therapist with a depth of experience working with children and young adults across Australia in a variety of settings including private practice, early intervention, adult services, mainstream and specialist school settings. Kat is passionate about assisting all individuals reach their full potential, and in a school context this refers to assisting all students in successfully accessing their learning. Katerina has worked with individuals with varying conditions and disabilities, and provides education, mentoring and consultation to a number of schools across Australia.
