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Assignment 3: Designing a Community-Based Referral

Narmada Bhullar, Shubhneet Kaur, Simranjit Kaur, Appandeep Kaur

Norquest College

CBLE-1010-Understanding Community

Valerie Ostara and Tracey Findlay

April 2, 2023
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Designing a Community-Based Referral

Barriers: Our client has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological and developmental disorder

affecting the brain. Rett syndrome basically impacts 3 areas of development. 

Which are:

 Physical- as it leads to loss of motor skills, the child loses the ability to crawl or walk as

the muscles become stiff and weak, leading to little or no muscle movement. 

            And slower growth of the brain and body 

 Language - slowly the child loses the ability to speak, make eye contact, and

communicate in other ways. 

 Cognitive - loss of intellectual functioning 

 Anxiety that may hinder social functioning 

 Need assistance with daily activities 

 Difficulty eating due to motor issues (Rett Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes - Mayo

Clinic, 2022)d Causes - Mayo Clinic, 2022)

What strengths have you found that they have that you might need to draw on? 

 Well as we know that Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the development of the

brain, resulting in cognitive and physical disabilities. However, children with Rett syndrome can

have unique strengths and abilities that as a CYC practitioners we can draw on: 

 Strong connection with music and rhythm - helps in therapy and communication 

 Have strong visual memory and the ability to recognize faces 

 Interests in sensory experiences 

Agency:  AAC Camp Alberta is a weekend family camp that offers engaging activities such

as games, music & movement, arts & crafts, and more. These activities are tailored to promote
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social communication and foster interaction among campers who use robust multimodal AAC

systems, aged 6 to 19 years, and their families. Additionally, the camp provides special sessions

for siblings to connect with each other and learn more about AAC. Parents and caregivers can

attend discussion sessions led by AAC experts and have networking opportunities with other

parents. They also get to unwind and socialize with other parents in a relaxed atmosphere. (AAC

Camp Alberta, n.d.)

Vision and mission statement of AAC University of Alberta: The vision of the AAC

(Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Camp Alberta, organized by the University of

Alberta, is likely to provide individuals with communication disabilities with an inclusive and

empowering environment that enables them to build communication skills, confidence, and

relationships. The camp may aim to offer a range of experiences and activities designed to

support communication, socialization, and personal growth for individuals who use augmentative

and alternative communication methods.

Overall, the vision of the AAC Camp Alberta is to create an inclusive and supportive

environment that recognizes and values the unique communication abilities and challenges of

individuals with communication disabilities, and to empower them to achieve their goals and

aspirations. (AAC Camp Alberta, n.d.)

Programs and services offered by AAC camp : AAC Camp Alberta offers a range of

programs and services designed to enhance the communication abilities of children with Rett

Syndrome. During the two-week camp, participants engage in various activities including arts

and crafts, music therapy, and social skill development. The camp also provides individualized

instruction and support for participants to learn and effectively use AAC devices to

communicate. The camp's experienced staff includes speech-language pathologists, occupational

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therapists, and trained volunteers, who work closely with participants to achieve their

communication goals. In addition to the camp's programming, families are provided with

resources and support to continue practicing and reinforcing communication skills at home. AAC

Camp Alberta is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and fun environment that empowers

participants to communicate with confidence and independence.

How they are funded: AAC Camp Alberta is financially funded through donations to the

University of  Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Cost for the client: The cost of registration to this camp would be $250 (or $200 early

bird) per family of 3.  $75 (or $50 early bird) per additional person.

Eligibility of client: This camp is for children and youth who are 6 - 19 years old and

who use robust AAC communication systems and their families. Our client Lilian is 12 years old

and uses AAC devices for communication so she is eligible for this camp and the registration can

be done on their website.

Why did you and your client choose this resource? And how will it benefit your

client?

Well, AAC Camp Alberta is known for its dedicated staff and inclusive environment,

which allows campers to participate fully in activities and build meaningful connections with

their peers. The camp also provides training and support to families and caregivers, helping them

to better understand and use AAC devices in everyday life.

This camp can help Lilian relax a bit, communicate with other people, and engage in fun and

challenging outdoor activities she told us she has a great love for nature, lakes, and mountains.

And the weather these days is really nice to spend some time with mother nature
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Also as stated earlier this camp offers training and support to families and caregivers so Lilian’s

brother Nathan can learn something more about AAC devices which will help him communicate

with his sister. 

The theoretical concept of a CYC practitioner: One theoretical concept related to

Child and Youth Care (CYC) that can support a child with Rett syndrome is the Social Learning

Theory. The Social Learning Theory posits that individuals learn by observing and modeling the

behaviors of others in their social environment. In the case of a child with Rett syndrome, this

theory can be applied by creating a supportive environment that encourages the child to learn

new skills and behaviors through social interaction with caregivers and peers. This can be done

by providing opportunities for the child to interact with others in meaningful ways, such as

through play, social games, and peer support groups. Additionally, caregivers can model positive

behaviors and provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, which can help the child

with Rett syndrome to develop new skills and abilities. By using the Social Learning Theory as a

framework, CYC practitioners can support the development and communication needs of

children with Rett syndrome in a holistic and meaningful way. (McLeod, 2023)

To what extent is your client likely to find membership in a new community as a

result of referring them to this agency or resource?

i. Referring a client to an AAC camp in Alberta may provide them with an

opportunity to become a member of a new community. The camp usually

attracts individuals with a variety of communication needs and abilities,

allowing clients to interact with and learn from peers who share similar

experiences. Participation in camp activities and social events, Lilian might

form friendships and connections with others who can provide her with
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ongoing support and encouragement. Additionally, the AAC camp may offer

resources and support for families and caregivers, which can help to build a

broader community of support around her.

ii. The AAC camp Alberta's environment is designed to be safe and inclusive for

individuals with communication difficulties. The camp is accessible and

accommodating to clients with physical disabilities or mobility issues. The

camp is located in a peaceful and serene environment, surrounded by nature,

which can help clients feel calm and relaxed. The neighbourhood is quiet and

family-friendly, with a focus on community and outdoor activities.

Clients are likely to feel safe in the AAC camp Alberta's environment. The camp is staffed with

trained professionals who can assist clients with any needs they may have, and the environment

is designed to be accommodating and inclusive for individuals with communication difficulties.

It is accessible to individuals with physical disabilities or mobility issues. The camp is equipped

with ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations to ensure that all clients can

participate in activities. The neighbourhood where the AAC camp Alberta is located is peaceful

and family-friendly. It is surrounded by nature, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities

such as hiking, swimming, and camping. Clients may appreciate the calming and serene

environment, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

iii. Every client has unique strengths and qualities that can be drawn upon to

make the AAC camp Alberta a beneficial resource for them. For example

Lilian is a person who enjoys outdoor activities, and she was drawn to the

camp's focus on nature and outdoor recreation. so by identifying and

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leveraging the client's strengths and interests, the AAC camp Alberta can be

tailored to meet their individual needs and goals, making it a valuable

resource for them to form new friends.

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References

AAC Camp Alberta. (n.d.). https://www.ualberta.ca/communications-sciences-and-disorders/our-

community/aac-camp-alberta.html

Cherry, K. (2022, October 14). How Social Learning Theory Works. Verywell Mind.

https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074

Fitzgibbons, L. (2019, December 20). social learning theory. WhatIs.com.

https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/social-learning-theory

Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023, February 16). Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Simply

Psychology. https://simplypsychology.org/bandura.html

Rett syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 3). Mayo Clinic.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-

20377227

What is AAC? - AssistiveWare. (n.d.). https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/what-is-aac