Building Communication Skills for Adults and their Caregivers during Community Activities

18+ years old

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“Communication happens everywhere — let’s learn how to support it everywhere, too.”

Collage of three images showing different activities: at the grocery store with a shopping cart filled with groceries; outside at a cafe with three people enjoying ice cream; and inside a library with a woman in a wheelchair reading a book.

Turn Everyday Outings Into Communication Opportunities

Are you already visiting the shops, parks, cafés or libraries with the person you care for?

Or maybe you're avoiding these places because communication feels too hard when you're out and about.

Or perhaps you're unsure if the person you support/care for even wants to go?

We’re here to help!
Join Sarah, our speech pathologist on community outings and get personalised support to build your communication skills together, in the moment.

  • Support for both you and the person you care for

  • Learn how to understand and respond to communication needs in real time

  • Build your confidence as a carer or support worker

  • Help the person you support grow their communication skills

  • Take away tools you can use again and again on your own

Support in action, not just in theory!

See the full list of outings we offer below

“You’re already doing the outings — now let’s build skills whilst we are there!”

Group of five young friends, some with disabilities, smiling and posing together outdoors under a red canopy.

Who is this for?

    • non-verbal/non-speaking/don’t use mouth words

    • minimally verbal (is able to say some words)

    • use verbal speech, but they are hard to understand

    • repeat scripts or lines from shows

    • use words but struggle with having a conversation or expressing their needs and wants clearly

    • uses an AAC device, communication app, communication cards or communication/picture boards

    • uses Key Word Sign

    • mostly uses gestures or communicates through their behaviours or making sounds

    • Starting and maintaining conversations with others while out in the community

    • Sharing thoughts, feelings, or choices during outings

    • Letting others know when they need a break, help, or want to leave a situation or go home

    • Clarifying or rephrasing messages so others can understand them better

    • Expressing needs and preferences to shopkeepers, waitstaff, or service workers

    • Ordering food or drinks from waitstaff at restaurants, cafes, food stalls, etc

    • Communicating their preferences or dislikes when visiting cafes, restaurants, or community centers

    • Selecting items in shops or supermarkets, including reading labels, comparing options, and writing/making a shopping list before leaving home

    • Managing money: counting cash, using cards, and completing purchases at the till

    • Reading signs, schedules, or menus and understanding the options available to them

    • Understanding and following community rules or social expectations (e.g., crossing the road safely, waiting in queues, respecting personal space, adjusting volume when inside versus outside, etc)

“Together, we can turn everyday outings into chances to grow and connect.”

How Is This Different From Regular Therapy?

Regular therapy often talks about what you could do in real-life situations or practices and attempts to simulate the situations in therapy by acting them out and practicing the skills. This service is different because the speech pathologist meets you in the community and goes with you and the person you support during these outings and practices the skills in real time!

This means you learn helpful ways to communicate right where you need them, in real moments. You don’t have to try the strategies on your own and then tell the speech pathologist if they worked, because the speech pathologist is there with you, helping and trying out the strategies together. This hands-on support helps you build confidence and skills you can use again and again when you are out together.

You can come as many times as you need until you feel ready to use these strategies on your own. If the person you support has a few different support workers or people who care for them, they can all come along or take turns joining the outings with the speech pathologist. That way, everyone learns the strategies together in real time.

The goal is to support the people around the person with communication difficulties so you (their parent/carer/support worker) have the tools and ideas to help that person communicate during everyday outings in the community.

Four people sitting on a park bench in front of green foliage, with diverse expressions.

“You are the most important communication partner they’ll ever have. So let’s build your skills too”

Outings Available

We are always happy to hear new outing ideas, especially activities your loved one already enjoys or would like to try more often.

These outings are a chance to practice communication in real-life situations with support. The speech pathologist comes along to help both you and the person you support use the personalised communication strategies during everyday moments.

The aim is for these outings to feel familiar and meaningful so you can confidently do them again without needing the speech pathologist there. That way, communication becomes part of everyday life, not just something that happens during therapy.

A colorful illustration of a shopping list surrounded by various food items including milk, apple, french fries, bread, soda, banana, cake, pizza, cookies, cheese, and grapes. The shopping list is blank with checkboxes.

Shopping at Woolies

  • The specific goals and focus of each session will depend on what is most meaningful and important for the person accessing the support.

    Some examples of skills that could be focused on include:

    • Creating a shopping list before going to the store

    • Identifying wants and needs and thinking about money and budgeting

    • Understanding and learning the steps of shopping (e.g., going to the shop, picking what you need, paying for it, and leaving with your items)

    • Locating and choosing items in the store with more independence

    • Asking for help from their support person or store staff

    • Comparing items and deciding what is good value for money

    • Problem-solving when an item is not available or not affordable

    • Practising how to pay for items at the checkout

    • Using communication tools or supports in real-life situations

  • Choose from three options depending on the person’s needs:

    Home + Shopping Session (Kadina residents only)

    • The session begins at the person’s home

    • Support is provided to help plan or write a shopping list and decide what the person wants to buy at woolworths

    • If the person needs a short break before going out, this time is used to share helpful communication tips and strategies with the support person attending

    • The support person drives the person to the Woolworth Kadina

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends after checkout

    Library + Shopping Session

    • The session begins at the Kadina Library

    • Support is provided to help plan or write a shopping list and decide what the person wants to buy at woolworths

    • If the person needs a short break before shopping, this time is used to share communication strategies with the support person

    • The support person drives the person to the Woolworths Kadina

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends after checkout

    Shopping Only Session

    • The session begins at Woolworths Kadina

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends after checkout

    • A shopping list (optional)

    • Money or bank card to purchase items

    • Library cards

    • Any communication devices, picture boards, or apps normally used to support communication

    • Sensory supports like earmuffs, fidgets, or comfort items/toys

    • A bag for carrying purchases (if helpful)

  • Kadina

    Starting location will depend on the session structure chosen:

    • The person’s home

    • Kadina Library

    • Woolworth Kadina

    • 1 client and their support person

    • 1 speech pathologist

    • Library & Shopping: 60 minutes

    • Home (Kadina residents only) + Shopping Session: 60 minutes

    • Shopping Only: 30 minutes

    These are the maximum time frames for this outing. The actual session time will depend on the person's needs and how long they are comfortable participating. If a shorter session is needed, only the time used will be charged.

  • Library + Shopping:

    • $258

    Home (Kadina residents only) + Shopping Session:

    • $258

    Shopping Only:

    • $156

    Additional Costs:
    Clients will need to bring their own money to buy any items during the outing.

    Note:
    Travel fees are not included in these prices. The total travel cost (up to $67) will be divided among clients seen on the same day, so individual travel charges may vary.

Colorful hand-drawn illustration of a clothing store display with hanging t-shirts, folded clothes, and a shelf with books and toys.

Shopping at Khub

  • The specific goals and focus of each session will depend on what is most meaningful and important for the person accessing the support.

    Some examples of skills that could be focused on include:

    • Creating a shopping list or wish list before going to the store

    • Identifying wants and needs and thinking about money and budgeting

    • Understanding and learning the steps of shopping (e.g., going to the shop, picking what you need, paying for it, and leaving with your items)

    • Locating and choosing items in the store with more independence

    • Asking for help from their support person or store staff

    • Comparing items and deciding what is good value for money

    • Problem-solving when an item is not available or not affordable

    • Practising how to pay for items at the checkout

    • Using communication tools or supports in real-life situations

  • Choose from three options depending on the person’s needs:

    Home + Khub Session (Kadina residents only)

    • The session begins at the person’s home

    • Support is provided to help plan or write a shopping list and decide what the person wants to find at Khub

    • If the person needs a short break before going out, this time is used to share helpful communication tips and strategies with the support person attending

    • The support person drives the person to Kadina Khub

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends after checkout

    Library + Khub Session

    • The session begins at Kadina Library

    • Support is provided to help plan or write a shopping list and decide what the person wants to find at Khub

    • If the person needs a short break before shopping, this time is used to share communication strategies with the support person

    • The support person drives the person to Kadina Khub

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends after checkout

    Khub Only Session

    • The session begins at Kadina Khub

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends after checkout

    • A shopping list or wishlist (optional)

    • Money or bank card to purchase items

    • Any communication devices, picture boards, or apps normally used to support communication

    • Sensory supports like earmuffs, fidgets, or comfort items/toys

    • A bag for carrying purchases (if helpful)

  • Kadina

    Starting location will depend on the session structure chosen:

    • The person’s home

    • Kadina Library

    • Khub Kadina

    • 1 client and their support person

    • 1 speech pathologist

    • Library & Shopping: 60 minutes

    • Home (Kadina residents only) + Shopping Session: 60 minutes

    • Shopping Only: 30 minutes

    These are the maximum time frames for this outing. The actual session time will depend on the person's needs and how long they are comfortable participating. If a shorter session is needed, only the time used will be charged.

  • Library + Shopping:

    • $258

    Home (Kadina residents only) + Shopping Session:

    • $258

    Shopping Only:

    • $156

    Additional Costs:
    Clients will need to bring their own money to buy any items during the outing.

    Note:
    Travel fees are not included in these prices. The total travel cost (up to $67) will be divided among clients seen on the same day, so individual travel charges may vary.

A colorful illustration of a bookstore or gift shop with clothing racks, shelves with books, and a display case filled with jewelry and accessories.

Shopping at Op Shops

  • The specific goals and focus of each session will depend on what is most meaningful and important for the person accessing the support.

    Some examples of skills that could be focused on include:

    • Creating a shopping list or wish list before going to the op shop or main street (to encourage the use of a ‘to do list’ and/or to have a focus for what treasures we are scouting for!)

    • Identifying wants and needs and thinking about money and budgeting

    • Understanding and learning the steps of shopping (e.g., going to the shop, browsing, paying for it, and leaving with your items)

    • Asking for help from their support person or shop staff

    • Problem solving and deciding what is good value for money

    • Practising how to pay for items at the checkout

    • Using communication tools or supports in real-life situations

  • Op Shop & Main Street Browsing

    • Meet at the decided town (Moonta, Kadina or Wallaroo)

    • Browse through 1 or 2 op shops or all the shops we can find in the main street! (depending on time and the interests of the people who attend on the day)

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person during the shopping experience

    • The session ends at the agreed upon time

    • A shopping list or wishlist (optional)

    • Money or bank card to purchase items

    • Any communication devices, picture boards, or apps normally used to support communication

    • Sensory supports like earmuffs, fidgets, or comfort items/toys

    • A bag for carrying purchases (if helpful)

  • Kadina, Wallaroo or Moonta

    • 1 client and their support person

    • 1 speech pathologist

    • Op Shop/Main Street Browsing: 20/30/40/50/60 minutes

    This is a flexible group. The time spent will depend on the individual person's needs and how long they are comfortable participating.

  • Dependent on length of time spent shopping:

    • 20 minutes = $97

    • 30 minutes = $129

    • 40 minutes = $178

    • 50 minutes = $226

    • 60 minutes = 258

    Additional Costs:
    Clients will need to bring their own money to buy any items during the outing.

    Note:
    Travel fees are not included in these prices. The total travel cost will depend on location and will be divided among clients seen on the same day, so individual travel charges may vary.

Illustration of a fast food meal that includes a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and two beef patties in a bun, two slices of pizza with pepperoni, a bowl of potato chips, and two soft drinks in cups with straws.

Buying Takeaway

  • The specific goals and focus of each session will depend on what is most meaningful and important for the person accessing the support.

    Some examples of skills that could be focused on include:

    • Choosing what to eat and identifying personal food preferences

    • Understanding and using menus

    • Practising how to place an order using speech, AAC, or support from a carer

    • Clarifying communication if the order is misunderstood

    • Managing money or a bank card to pay for the order

    • Asking questions or requesting help (e.g., "Can I have that without sauce?")

    • Waiting for the order and understanding steps involved in takeaway transactions

    • Using communication tools or supports in a real-life setting

    • Practising conversation skills or sharing the experience with their support person or others that attend

  • Choose from two options depending on the person’s needs:

    Home + Takeaway Outing (available across the Yorke Peninsula (e.g., Kadina, Wallaroo, Moonta, Ardrossan, Port Pirie, Yorketown, and surrounding areas))

    • The session begins at the person’s home

    • Support is provided to discuss and decide where the person would like to get takeaway food from today

    • If needed, time is spent preparing for the outing or discussing communication tips and strategies with the person and their support person

    • The support person and participant travel together to the chosen takeaway place

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person to order and purchase the food using the communication strategies

    • The person can choose to eat at the venue (if dine-in is available), in a local park, or back at home, depending on their preferences and the skills they would like to build (e.g. social interaction, independence, decision-making)

    Community Meeting Point + Takeaway Outing (available across the Yorke Peninsula (e.g., Kadina, Wallaroo, Moonta, Ardrossan, Port Pirie, Yorketown, and surrounding areas))

    • The session begins at an agreed public meeting point in the community (e.g. Kadina main street/library/park, Wallaroo main street, Moonta main street, etc.)

    • Support is provided to discuss and decide where the person would like to get takeaway food from today

    • If needed, time is spent preparing for the outing or discussing communication tips and strategies with the person and their support person

    • The support person and participant go together to the chosen takeaway place

    • Support is provided from the speech pathologist and support person to order and purchase the food using the communication strategies

    • The person can choose to eat at the venue (if dine-in is available), in a local park, or back at home, depending on their preferences and the skills they would like to build (e.g. social interaction, independence, decision-making)

    • Money or bank card to purchase items

    • Any communication devices, picture boards, or apps used to support communication

    • Sensory supports like earmuffs, fidgets, or comfort items/toys

  • Available across the Yorke Peninsula (including Kadina, Wallaroo, Moonta, Ardrossan, Port Pirie, Yorketown, and surrounding areas)

    • 1 client and their support person

    • 1 speech pathologist

    • Home + Takeaway Outing: 60 minutes

    • Community Meeting Point + Takeaway Outing: 45 minutes

    These are the maximum time frames for this outing. The actual session time will depend on the person's needs and how long they are comfortable participating. If a shorter session is needed, only the time used will be charged.

  • Home + Takeaway Outing:

    • $258

    Community Meeting Point + Takeaway Outing:

    • $209.51

    Additional Costs:
    Clients will need to bring their own money to buy any items during the outing.

    Note:
    Travel fees are not included in these prices. The travel cost will depend on the location and will be divided among clients seen on the same day, so individual travel charges may vary.

A watercolor illustration of a coffee cup with latte art, a slice of chocolate cake on a plate, a bowl of pink ice cream with a spoon, and a blank menu board in the background.

Dining In

  • The specific goals and focus of each session will depend on what is most meaningful and important for the person accessing the support.

    Some examples of skills that could be focused on include:

    • Looking at a menu and selecting food or drinks

    • Understanding restaurant routines (e.g., ordering at the counter vs. table service and waiting for food to arrive)

    • Practising how to place an order using speech, AAC, or support from a carer

    • Clarifying communication if the order is misunderstood

    • Managing money or a bank card to pay for the order

    • Asking questions or requesting help

    • Using polite social scripts like “Excuse me,” “Thank you,” or “Can I order please?”

    • Requesting changes or expressing preferences clearly (e.g., “No thankyou”, “No, can I have cheese, please”)

    • Interacting with waitstaff and managing social expectations

    • Using AAC or other communication tools in a public setting

    • Handling payment at the table or counter

    • Communicating about comfort, needing a break, or wanting to leave

    • Practising conversation skills or sharing the experience with their support person or others that attend

    • The session starts at a selected local café or restaurant in your town

    • Support is provided throughout the experience

    • The speech pathologist works alongside each client and support person to model and guide communication strategies in real-time

    • Session ends after the agreed time frame

    • Money or bank card to purchase items

    • Any communication devices, picture boards, or apps normally used to support communication

    • Sensory supports like earmuffs, fidgets, or comfort items/toys

  • Available across the Yorke Peninsula (including Kadina, Wallaroo, Moonta, Ardrossan, Port Pirie, Yorketown, and surrounding areas)

    • a maximum of 4 clients, each with their own support person

    • 1 speech pathologist

  • TBC - depending on location and venue chosen

  • Final cost will depend on the venue chosen and the time needed. Here are the approximate costs per client based on group size and assuming a 1 hour outing:

    • 1 client: $258

    • 2 clients: $161 each

    • 3 clients: $129 each

    • 4 clients: $113 each

    Additional Costs:
    Clients will need to bring their own money to buy any items during the outing.

    Note:
    Travel fees are not included in these prices. The travel cost will depend on the location and will be divided among clients seen on the same day, so individual travel charges may vary.

Coming Soon

We’re working behind the scenes to create and offer even more outing options.

Here are a few ideas that we are working on:

A watercolor illustration of a stack of 10 books with colorful covers, with paint splashes and a blue and red watercolor background.

Library Visit

Colorful illustration of a sandcastle with four flags and four buckets, surrounded by grass and footprints on the sand.

Going to the Beach

“It’s not about changing the person — it’s about changing how we support them.”

How To Book

Existing clients who have completed caregiver training:
You can book any of the group community outing sessions by logging into the client portal and making a booking.

Existing clients who have not completed a caregiver training session:
A caregiver training session is an appointment held without the client present, where the speech pathologist presents a range of personalised communication strategies and practical supports tailored to the person you care for.

It’s ideal for parents, support workers, and other caregivers to attend together, so everyone can get on the same page before joining community outings. This shared training helps each person understand how to support the individual effectively and confidently from the very first session—with the speech pathologist there to guide and model strategies in action.

Please contact Sarah to arrange this session. Once completed, you’ll be able to book group community outing sessions through the client portal.

New clients:
To access our group community outings, please fill out this form to get started. New clients need to complete a few appointments and a caregiver training session before booking into group sessions. More details below.

A teal-colored calendar with hearts and days labeled S, M, T, W, T, F, S. A sticky note pinned to it reads "BOOK NOW."

“Together, we can create communication-friendly spaces — one outing at a time.”

Process for New Clients

  1. Fill out our referral form: HERE

  2. We’ll contact you: When we have availability to take on new clients.

  3. Attend an initial appointment: This helps Sarah (speech pathologist) understand the person’s needs and goals.

  4. Attend 3–5 follow-up appointments: These sessions involve the individual and key people in their life (e.g., parents, carers, support workers). This allows Sarah, our speech pathologist, to get to know the person, understand their communication style, and identify strategies that could help.

  5. Caregiver training session: A session just for parents, carers, and support workers (the person receiving support does not attend). Sarah will share tailored strategies and tips so everyone feels confident and prepared before joining community outings. Please discuss and book this in with Sarah directly, so she can prepare an individualised presentation ready for this session.

  6. Start community outings and/or continue ongoing therapy: Once the caregiver training has been completed, you can book community-based sessions and/or continue with individual therapy sessions as needed.

If you're unsure whether this would suit the person you care for, we encourage you to book a free call with our Sarah (speech pathologist) to ask your questions and find out more about these outings. You can book your free call here.

Light blue flower shape with white question marks in the center, on a white background.

“No matter how a person communicates, they deserve to be understood, supported, and encouraged.”

FAQs

  • Yes – these outings are only available to clients who have completed the intake process and a caregiver training session. If you’re new, you’ll need to start by filling out our referral form and completing a few appointments first.

  • Absolutely. You can continue with regular therapy and also book community outings. Some people choose to do both, while others focus on outings alone—it’s totally up to you.

  • Yes, if you are NDIS self-managed or plan-managed, you can use your NDIS funding to pay for these sessions.

    Please note: we are not able to support NDIA/Agency-managed clients at this time.

  • There’s no set limit. You can book as many sessions as you like, based on your goals, funding, and our availability. Some people attend regularly, others just now and then.

  • Yes! Multiple support people (e.g., parents, carers, support workers) are welcome to attend. It’s a great way for everyone to learn how to support communication together.

  • Yes. If you'd like a summary report for the NDIS (for your plan review or progress updates), we can provide one. Just let us know in advance, so we can schedule time for it.

  • No, these outings are currently only available to adults with communication challenges. Each session is personalised to support the individual’s communication needs and goals in everyday community settings.

  • That’s completely okay. You only book the outings you want to attend. There’s no requirement to come weekly or commit to a fixed schedule.

  • Once you’ve completed the required appointments (including caregiver training), you’ll be able to book available outing sessions through our online client portal. If you're not sure how to do this, please contact our admin team via admin@everyonecancommunicate.com.au

“You don’t need to have all the answers — just a willingness to learn together.”

Person in a wheelchair on the beach with arms raised, blue sky and clouds in the background.

Not Sure If This Is Right for You and Your Loved One?

If you’re unsure whether group outings are the best fit, we encourage you to book a free call with Sarah, our speech pathologist. It’s a great chance to ask questions and learn more about these outings. You can book your free call here.

These group sessions offer an affordable way to build life skills, but if you think your loved one might benefit more from one-on-one support or might find group sessions challenging, you can talk with Sarah about booking individual life skills appointments as your regular sessions.

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