About Dara

Thank you for visiting my website!

My name is Dara Fay, practicing Speech-Language Therapist and owner of Communication Consultation Ltd. Working hand in hand with parents/families, I help my patients (children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities) meet their communication goals in my clinic.

It is my hope that this site will help aid you in making an important decision for your child. The decision to open your child’s world through the power of effective communication.

I have 30 years of experience helping patients of all ages become better communicators at home, at school and in their community. I believe in working together with families and other professionals (teachers, OT, PT, psychologists, social workers, and doctors) to create powerful changes in lives.

I completed my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Alberta. I am a certified member of Alberta’s Association of Private Practice Speech Language Pathologists (ASAPP), Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) and Alberta’s College of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA).

Over my years of practicing in the field, I have developed expertise and training in numerous areas.

Areas of Expertise

Speech

Articulation and Phonological Disorders
  • Difficulty producing individual speech sounds
  • Speech disorder characterized by patterns of error that are no longer age appropriate

Language

Expressive and receptive language delays/disorders
  • Difficulty in understanding what others say.
  • Difficulty in expressing one’s thoughts and ideas using words and sentences.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • A developmental disability characterized by difficulties in behaviour, social skills and communication development.

Down Syndrome

  • A genetic condition that leads to health problems, developmental delays and learning disabilities.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that replace or support natural speech.
  • Completing comprehensive assessments of children with complex communication needs.
  • Knowledge of communication apps for iPads (Touch Chat, LAMP, Proloquo2go, Snap+Core First) and dedicated communication devices (Nova Chat and Accent).
  • Training parents and others in using AAC.

Motor Speech Disorders

Includes Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Dysarthria
  • A disorder of the motor planning of speech; a child is unable to figure out the motor plan for sounds even though the child knows what  he or she wants to say.
  • A motor speech disorder caused by weakness of the muscles in the mouth, face, tongue, soft palate, or the respiratory system.

Developmental Delays

  • A group of neurological conditions that begin during childhood and may last throughout a person’s life. These conditions may cause impairment in physical, learning, communication, or behavior skills.

Childhood Stuttering

  • Disruptions in the fluency of speech.

Literacy

  • The knowledge children have about reading and writing before they can actually read and write.  Early literacy development begins in infancy and progresses throughout the preschool years. It is essential for learning to read and write once in school.

Early Intervention

  • Therapy that focuses on helping babies and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays learn skills that typically develop during the first three years of life.
  • Children who are at risk of or experiencing developmental delays benefit significantly from early intervention therapy. Positive outcomes include language and communication, cognitive development, and physical health, providing a foundation for a lifetime of success!

It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.

Winnie The Pooh

Communication is the essence of life.

Janice Light

The world needs different kinds of minds to work together.

Dr. Temple Grandin

“You’re one choice away from changing your life.”

Mac Anderson

Book an Appointment