Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA)

Disability Services, Healthcare Providers, and Medical Equipment

Provided by Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA)

A provincial resource for individuals who require an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) system due to a severe communication disability.
CAYA provides a time dependent service. Assessment and intervention will occur for approximately four months, after which time the Client and his/her Team will be expected to assume responsibility for continued implementation and use of the communication system. The overall service is comprised of the following modules:
  • Assessment: CAYA provides assessment services through their skilled Speech-Language Pathologists to determine the best augmentative or alternative communication system for eligible clients and a thoughtful implementation plan incorporating the resources and strengths of their supporters and families.
  • Equipment: CAYA maintains a loan bank of AAC devices and accessories that are available for indefinite loan to CAYA clients following the recommendations of the Speech-Language Pathologists.
  • Training and Resources: CAYA provides families and other care providers with periodic training opportunities and other resources to ensure the successful implementation of AAC initiatives with clients. Training modules and resource packages are offered, both in small group settings and on-line in collaboration with the SET-BC Learning Centre.
  • Follow-up: CAYA follows through with clients after the conclusion of the initial assessment and provision process with annual calls and contacts. Technical support is available to all CAYA clients to keep their technology functional.

Eligibility:
  • Adults aged 19 years and older who require an AAC system due to a severe communication disability, i.e. speech that is not functional for daily communication* (*This does not include individuals whose primary communication disability is a hearing loss).
  • Adults aged 19 years and older who are already using an AAC system, but require further training and resources to improve of maintain communicative function.
  • Students in Grade 12 (or the last year of their K-12 program) who require an AAC system post-graduation.


To apply, download the Request for Service application. Then fax the completed form to our head office at (604) 266-2463. You will be contacted shortly thereafter.

CAYA is a province-wide service program funded through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

604 326-3500

Public email: contact@cayabc.org

Website: https://cayabc.net/

#700, 655 West Kent Avenue North, Vancouver, British Columbia

Service is available in English.

Cost: No cost

Referral options:

  • Self-referral
  • Physician or nurse practitioner referral
  • Health professional referral
Availability

Service area: Province-wide + show cities

Service area cities: 100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Agassiz, Aldergrove, Alert Bay, Alexis Creek, Anahim Lake, Anmore, Armstrong, Ashcroft, Atlin, Bamfield, Banff, Barriere, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Black Creek, Blue River, Boston Bar, Bowen Island, Brentwood Bay, Burnaby, Burns Lake, Cache Creek, Calgary, Campbell River, Canmore, Castlegar, Cathedral Grove, Cawston, Chase, Chemainus, Chetwynd, Chilliwack, Christina Lake, Clearwater, Clinton, Cobble Hill, Comox, Coombs, Coquitlam, Cortes Island, Courtenay, Cranbrook, Crawford Bay, Creston, Cumberland, Daajing Giids, Dawson Creek, Dease Lake, Deep Bay, Delta, Denman Island, Duncan, Edgewood, Elkford, Enderby, Fanny Bay, Fernie, Fort Langley, Fort Nelson, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Fraser Lake, Fruitvale, Gabriola Island, Galiano Island, Gibsons, Golden, Gold River, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Hanceville, Hazelton, Hope, Hornby Island, Horne Lake, Houston, Hudson's Hope, Invermere, Kamloops, Kaslo, Kelowna, Keremeos, Kimberley, Kitimat, Kyuquot, Ladner, Ladysmith, Lake Country, Lake Cowichan, Langford, Langley, Lantzville, Lethbridge, Lillooet, Lions Bay, Logan Lake, Long Beach, Lumby, Lytton, Mackenzie, Maple Ridge, Masset, Mayne Island, McBride, Merritt, Merville, Midway, Mill Bay, Mission, Nakusp, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Nelson, New Aiyansh, New Denver, New Westminster, Nitinaht, North Delta, North Saanich, North Vancouver, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Oyama, Parksville, Peachland, Pemberton, Pender Harbour, Pender Island, Penelakut Island, Penticton, Pitt Meadows, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Coquitlam, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Moody, Powell River, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Princeton, Quadra Island, Qualicum Beach, Quathiaski Cove, Quesnel, Revelstoke, Richmond, Riske Creek, Rock Creek, Rossland, Saanich, Saanichton, Salmo, Salmon Arm, Salt Spring Island, Sardis, Saturna Island, Sayward, Scotch Creek, Sechelt, Shawnigan Lake, Sicamous, Sidney, Skidegate, Slocan, Smithers, Sointula, Sooke, Sorrento, South Surrey, Sparwood, Spences Bridge, Squamish, Stewart, Summerland, Sun Peaks, Surrey, Tahsis, Tatla Lake, Telkwa, Terrace, Tofino, Trail, Tsawwassen, Tumbler Ridge, Ucluelet, Valemount, Vancouver, Vanderhoof, Vernon, Victoria, West Kelowna, West Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock, Williams Lake, Winlaw, Witset, and Yale

Service Types Provided
Disability Services
Healthcare Providers
Medical Equipment
Ways to Access
  • Includes the provision of goods
  • Provided 1:1 in-person

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
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