CASEE provides a regional specialist Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) aid service to children and adults with complex needs in the East of England. Hosted by Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and commissioned by NHS England, CASEE cover the counties of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
The CASEE team is multi-disciplinary with Speech & Language Therapists, Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Scientist/Technologists, Technicians and Administrators.
Non-urgent advice: Information for patients
We provide assessment and recommendations which may include the provision of electronic voice output communication aids (VOCAs) alongside training in the use of any VOCA provided for the client, family and their local support team. We also aim to support the establishment, training and development of local AAC services and provide regular training sessions offered free of charge to professionals supporting people who use AAC (Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Teachers, Therapy Assistants, Technical Team Members, Teaching Assistants etc.).
Attend Anywhere video consultation
Did you know your outpatient appointment for this service may now be done by video consultation using Attend Anywhere. This enables you to be able to attend your appointment from home, saving you time and money.
What is AAC?
‘AAC’ refers to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods. For some individuals it can be difficult to communicate verbally with those around them; for example due to limited or unclear speech, learning disabilities or physical limitations. This can limit the individual’s ability to engage in personal relationships, leisure, hobbies, education and employment and may significantly impact their independence and quality of life.
AAC refers to resources or equipment which can support such individuals to communicate effectively with those around them and engage more fully in their environment. AAC ranges from ‘low-tech’, such as paper-based symbol or alphabetic systems, to ‘high-tech’ electronic voice output communication aids (VOCA) which speak messages for the individual. These may be operated in a variety of ways including directly via a touchscreen, head pointer, or eye gaze or via switches to overcome physical limitations, and may be mounted on to wheelchairs or seating systems.
What do we do?
CASEE is one of 13 Specialised AAC Services in England. CASEE aims to assess and provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solutions for children and adults from the East of England region that meet the criteria for assessment by a Specialised AAC Service. We recommend contacting us via email* or phone (01223 349401) prior to making a referral so you can discuss the referral to ensure the person meets the NHS England criteria for assessment by a Specialised AAC Service. A downloadable version of our referral form is available below.
We provide assessment and recommendations which may include the provision of electronic voice output communication aids (VOCAs) alongside training in the use of any VOCA provided for the client, family and their local support team. We also aim to support the establishment, training and development of local AAC services and provide regular training sessions offered free of charge to professionals supporting people who use AAC (Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Teachers, Therapy Assistants, Technical Team Members, Teaching Assistants etc.).
You can find a link to our training programme here. We also provide free downloadable resources, self-help guides and helpful video clips for professionals and family members/others supporting people who use AAC.
We are involved in several national projects to improve service provision in the field of AAC and are also engaged in research to further the evidence base in this area please see our Twitter feed for more info.
*Please note that patient information should not be sent by email unless it is from another secure email service or with prior consent to do so.
Visiting the CASEE team
We see all our clients in their own homes, schools, day centres, residential centres, hospitals etc. and do not have the facilities to see clients at our Addenbrooke’s base.
If you are a professional visiting our office and are using a navigation system to find us, please use the postcode CB2 8PS. We are based in the (OH) Oh Occupational Health and Wellbeing building, which is located on the Addenbrooke’s site on the corner of Long Road and Robinson Way. Please use the Long Road/Robinson Way entrance to the site to reach the OH building.
