Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are methods, systems, strategies and devices that are used to compensate the loss of speech or support the existing speech.
Some children never develop proper speech while other speech difficulties can occur due to a head injury, a stroke or a degenerative condition. Essentially, anyone who cannot communicate effectively using speech needs to have access to AAC.
Chairperson
Involved with Interface since 2003.
Occupational therapist (B.Occ.Ther) & Augmentative and Alternative Communication (BA (Hons) AAC).
Vice Chairperson
Involved with Interface since 2001.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (BA (Hons) AAC) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Honorary member
Involved with Interface since 2003.
Mentor.
AAC Practitioner
Involved with Interface since March 2022. Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist (Hons- SMU)
AAC Practitioner
Involved with Interface since 2012.
Speech Therapist & Audiologist (B.Speech & Hearing Therapy) & Early Childhood Intervention (M.ECI).
Occupational Therapist
Involved with Interface since July 2021
Translator/General Assistant
Involved with Interface since March 2022
Project Director
Commenced work at Interface in January 2012.
Public Relations Diploma.
AAC Practitioner
Involved with Interface since 2024.
BA Honors in Psychology and a BA Honors in AAC.
Provide individual and group therapy to those who need access to AAC.
Providing ongoing support to AAC users and their families.
Educate the public about speech difficulties and the AAC method.
Continue developing AAC resources.
Interface KZN began in 1997 when a group of passionate parents, educators and therapists realised that there was very little awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with no support group and no implementation of AAC techniques in the KZN area. At a public meeting the formation of a NGO was discussed and volunteers formed a committee to plan for the launch of the organisation. The willingness of parents and the passion of therapists and educators led to the founding of the organisation. At the time, Interface was a national organisation and it was decided that this group would open a branch in KZN. The other branches of Interface disbanded over the years, resulting in Interface KZN becoming a stand-alone organisation in May, 2001.
Fundraising began at once and the launch of the organisation took place at Browns school. The organisation operated from Browns school in the beginning before moving to a small room at Whizz Kids Special Needs Centre. For many years, the funding for basic administration and other costs came from a gardener who sold ground covers from a committee member’s garden to landscapers. Parents, therapists and educators who served on the committee, participated in workshops and raised funds did so on a volunteer basis. In order for the organisation to remain sustainable this needed to change. The primary goal (in addition to always providing the core services of evaluation, intervention, training and the raising of awareness) of the years 2003 and 2004 was to secure funding for premises. The first independent premises were at a house rented in Westville in 2008. After receiving substantial funding, the move was made to the current premises in Underwood Road, Sarnia in 2009. This funding also led to the employment of a part time receptionist and the beginnings of a resource library.
Since 2009, Interface KZN has grown from strength to strength. Initially a full-time office manager was employed. More recently the capacity has increased to promote the office manager to Project director. Interface KZN has grown from two-part time, sessional AAC practitioners to two full time AAC practitioners in addition to part time staff. In 2018 a vehicle was donated to the organisation enabling the reach of the organisation to expand.
Interface KZN has always been a small but passionate NGO, made up of a diverse group of AAC users, clients, parents, therapists and teachers. At the forefront of all activities is our passion to strive towards the Interface KZN mission statement and objectives, which contributes hugely towards our success
Your contribution to Interface KZN will be greatly appreciated.