Julia Travis Speech Therapy

26/07/2026

Build a bridge

One of the biggest myths about AAC is that it prevents children from talking. Research consistently shows the opposite. Giving children access to communication often reduces frustration, increases participation, and can actually support spoken language development when speech is possible.

26/07/2026

How to use songs to encourage speech and language development

Graceful Expression, Speech-Language Pathologist

24/07/2026

Love this! Graceful Expression, Speech-Language Pathologist ❤️

18/07/2026

"That’s why it’s so important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to communication."

"The goal isn’t to make someone communicate the way we think they should. The goal is to give them a way to communicate that works for them."

Stalen’s Way 💯 - could not have said that better myself! 💓

Stalen got his AAC device when he was 3½ years old, and it has opened up both of our worlds in so many ways. It gave Stalen a voice, and it gave me the opportunity to know even more about the incredible person he is.

One of his favorite ways to use it is during literacy. He loves researching famous Canadians and sharing what he’s learned using his device. He also enjoys participating in read-alouds at school.

That takes a little planning and teamwork. I receive the literacy passage ahead of time and help program it into his AAC device. When it’s time to read aloud with the class or a partner, Stalen is able to participate alongside his peers. Moments like that matter.

His AAC device is part of everyday life. He uses it while playing board games, talking about hockey, telling jokes, asking questions… and, of course, bossing me around. 😆

I often hear people suggest that I should teach Stalen sign language. We have tried over the years, but it has been incredibly frustrating for him because his hands don’t always do what his brain is telling them to do. The motor planning and fine and gross motor skills needed for sign language can be a significant barrier for some people.

That’s why it’s so important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to communication.

The goal isn’t to make someone communicate the way we think they should. The goal is to give them a way to communicate that works for them.

Every person deserves a voice. For Stalen, that voice is his AAC device. 💙

Pictured below is Stalen seeing his AAC device for the very first time.

12/07/2026

What she said 👇
Jessie Ginsburg, Sensory SLP

07/07/2026

Boredom in the holidays to help develop creativity is not a universal truth - for some children, it just isn't an option.

07/07/2026

Well done Hannah

Thanks for sharing Mikey's Wish - Verbal Dyspraxia Awareness

07/07/2026

💯

Speech therapy works best when families and therapists work together. Parents know their child better than anyone, and therapists bring specialized knowledge. Together, that partnership creates meaningful progress that extends far beyond the therapy room.

06/07/2026

INTRODUCING MY NEW THERAPY SPACE - 2026 🌈

After 17 years in my rooms at Fairfield Medical Suites, with the amazing team of Hear In Africa, it was time to start a new chapter. It has been such a privilege to work alongside this awesome team of colleagues who all became friends, and their inspiring leader and my dear friend, Shannon O'Leary for all these years. My practice grew and thrived there and I could not have asked for a better first chapter when I moved to Private Practice. And that is why it was such a long chapter. But the Audiology practice has grown so much that they really need the extra room, and it was time for me to spread my wings and chase a dream of mine 🦋

So after a big search and a lot of negotiations, I eventually secured a new space in Meyer Street in Claremont (just off Rosmead Avenue). This dual zoned semi-attached house has a lot more room to grow and it is the homely space I really wanted. There is a calming and comfy waiting area, 2 therapy rooms, a small kitchen and bathroom and parking out front. My hope is to expand my practice and have another therapist working with me in the afternoons and potentially another therapist using the second office in the mornings. It is also a great space for hosting small workshops. I hope to make it a hub for parents, children, therapists and caregivers where all children, especially my neurodivergent kiddies, can thrive.

So I did a big sort out and pack up of my office and moved it along to the new office over the December holidays. The offices have been beautifully renovated and I got to decorate and organise the space just as I wanted. I opened on 12 January and I am so grateful that everyone has embraced the new space. I have settled in happily and it definitely feels like the new practice space is a true reflection of me. There have also been a lot of new families join the practice this year and things have been really busy, which I am so grateful for. I had an Open Day in April and hosted the PROMPT course at the practice in June.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shannon O'Leary for all her guidance and encouragement, Steven Borwick for his legal advice and assistance with the lease, Carol Brake for all the help with cleaning, hanging curtains and decorating, Paul for his handyman services, my Mom for all her support and encouragement and my amazing group of friends for all their love and support. Thank you to the amazing team at HearInAfrica, both past and present - I miss you ladies! 🦋 And thank you to the families who came with me to the new space and all the new families who have joined the practice and continue to support my business.

It takes a village - and I am blessed with mine 🌈

I have many ideas for the space and what I would like to offer in future, so please watch this space! 🙏 🌈

02/07/2026

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