Edwina graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2015 and began her career in Tamworth, NSW. Since then, she has worked across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas of New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Edwina gained experience in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors before founding Neap Communication in 2024.
At Neap Communication, Edwina works with children and adults who communicate using ways other than mouth words. These may include facial expressions, sounds, natural gestures, sign language, symbols, and writing. She also supports individuals who have lost, or are losing the ability to form mouth words due to medical conditions such as brain injury or neurodegenerative disease.
Edwina supports clients to develop their skills using their current Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system, helping them get the most out of the tools they already have. If a client does not yet have an AAC system, Edwina completes a thorough assessment process, which may include trials of communication books, apps or dedicated devices. AAC assessment is a collaborative process where clients and families are supported to make informed choices about the system that best fits their needs. Edwina has training in common AAC approaches, including Key Word Sign, PODD, and LAMP.
Edwina recognises that family members and other key communication partners play a vital role in the successful implementation in any AAC system. For this reason, she involves communication partners in the process, supporting them to understand what it’s like to use AAC and how to create meaningful opportunities for communication. Her approach focuses on building confidence and practical skills, while keeping the relationship between the AAC user and their communication partners at the heart of the therapy.
Based in North West New South Wales, Edwina offers telehealth services to reach clients in under-serviced areas of Australia. In-person appointments may also be available, depending on location.
