Speech Therapy Services
for children in Wagga Wagga, NSW
At The Empowered Learner, evidence-based speech therapy is delivered in partnership with families in a positive, engaging and supportive environment. Sessions are tailored to each child’s individual strengths, needs, and goals.
I am a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and accredited NSW Primary School Teacher with over 30 years of experience in education.
Drawing on my background in both speech pathology and teaching, I support children to develop the speech, language, literacy and numeracy skills they need for confident communication and success at daycare, preschool and school.
Literacy
Does your child struggle with reading, spelling, writing, or keeping up with literacy skills at school?
The Empowered Learner provides evidence-based literacy support for children who need help with reading, spelling and writing.
Because Jen is both a speech pathologist and accredited primary school teacher, she is able to support the important connection between spoken language, reading and writing development.
Literacy support may include:
• Phonics and decoding skills
• Phonological awareness
• Reading fluency
• Vocabulary development
• Reading comprehension
• Writing and written expression
• Spelling and word knowledge
Early Language
Does your child have difficulty using words, communicating their needs, or starting to put words together into phrases?
The Empowered Learner provides support for young children who are developing their early communication skills.
This may include:
• Early communication and interaction
• Supporting children who are late to begin using words
• Developing first words and early phrases
• Building vocabulary and early sentence use
Expressive Language
Does your child struggle to express their thoughts, find the right words, or put sentences together clearly?
The Empowered Learner assists children to develop the skills needed to express their thoughts and ideas clearly.
Areas may include:
• Using words and sentences effectively
• Grammar development
• Sentence structure
• Expanding vocabulary
Receptive Language
Does your child have difficulty understanding what others say or following instructions?
The Empowered Learner supports children to understand language and follow instructions.
This may include:
• Understanding spoken language
• Following directions
• Listening comprehension
• Understanding questions and classroom instructions
Speech Sounds
Does your child have difficulty saying certain sounds or being understood by others?
The Empowered Learner provides support for children who have difficulty producing certain speech sounds or being clearly understood by others.
Areas may include:
• Producing speech sounds accurately
• Improving clarity of speech
• Increasing overall speech intelligibility
Fees & Funding
There are several ways families may access funding or rebates for speech pathology services at The Empowered Learner. The options available will depend on your child’s individual circumstances and the type of funding you may have access to.
The session type, frequency, and duration will be customised for your child and family. Decisions will be made together, based on your goals and current evidence-based practice. The following funding options are accepted:
Non-Registered NDIS Provider.
The Empowered Learner provides speech pathology services as a Non-Registered NDIS Provider.
We are able to work with: Self-managed and Plan Managed NDIS participants
More information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including eligibility and funding arrangements, can be found on the official NDIS website.
Learn more: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
The local contact for early childhood funding is Intereach:
https://www.intereach.com.au/service/early-childhood-approach-ndis/
Medicare - Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan
Your child may be eligible for up to 5 partially rebated sessions per calendar year through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan.
Your GP will determine your child’s eligibility and provide the relevant paperwork.
Medicare – Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Medicare may provide funding for children and young people who have been diagnosed with an eligible complex neurodevelopmental disorder (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder).
Under these Medicare items, eligible children may receive support for:
• Up to 8 assessment services to assist with diagnosis (provided by allied health professionals)
• Up to 20 allied health treatment services per lifetime
To access these services, a referral and treatment plan from a paediatrician or psychiatrist is required.
These services are generally available for individuals under 25 years of age.
If you think your child may be eligible, we recommend discussing this option with your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Private Health Insurance
Speech pathology services may be partially claimable through private health insurance, depending on your level of cover.
We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm whether speech pathology services are included in your policy and to check your annual limits.
The Empowered Learner will provide itemised invoices following your child’s appointment so that you can submit a claim to your private health insurer.
Payment
Payment is required at the time of your appointment.
Invoices and receipts will be provided for all services to support claims through NDIS, Medicare, or private health insurance where applicable.
Please note that tutoring and educational support services are not claimable through Medicare, NDIS or private health insurance.
Book a Speech Pathology Appointment
If you are looking for a speech pathologist in Wagga Wagga for your child, The Empowered Learner welcomes enquiries from families, schools and health professionals.
Appointments can be requested online to discuss your child’s speech, language, communication or literacy needs.