Who are Chatting Independently
Anthony Robertson has been registered by the Commission of Social Care Inspection (now the Care Quality Commission) to be the registered manager of both establishments run by Chatting Independently in the market town of March. Anthony has cerebral palsy himself and uses various forms of communication aid systems from a low-tech 100 Blissymbol chart to a 600+ word board to a high-tech communication aid - The Pathfinder which he operates with an infra-red headpointer. Before starting Chatting Independently with his Dad, Derek, and David Morris, Anthony had had many years experience of employing his own facilitators as well as having a sound understanding of the need for good communication skills and good independent living skills. He has worked in the field of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) for almost 20 years as an AAC Consultant organising training courses for People who use AAC and for those who support them. Between 2000-2004 Anthony was a member of the Executive Committee of the International Society of Augmentative Alternative Communication (ISAAC) as the representative of People who use AAC. He has presented at many conferences in Europe, USA, Canada, South America, South Africa, Australia and India. |
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David Morris has been designated the Responsible Person for Chatting Independently by the Care Quality Commission. By profession he is a registered Speech and Language Therapy specialising in Neurology and Alternative, Augmentative Communication (AAC). As such he has worked in the NHS in Neurology and Neurosurgery, for a company which supplied electronic communication aids, running workshops in the implementation of AAC amd before starting Chatting Independently had his own private practice. He has worked as part of a transdisciplinary team in the both the NHS and now at Chatting Independently where he discusses therapeutic input with physiotherapist and hospital consultants. He has experience of working with people who have cerebral palsy and helping them with daily activities and personal care. David holds also the Professional Certificate of Management from the Open University. |
Derek Robertson has had experience of setting up and running different businesses. Before helping to set up Chatting Independently, he ran his own transport business. At Chatting Independently Derek is the Business Manager and advises on finance. He is also responsible for the maintenance of our two establishments and how to proceed with any building work which is necessary. |