BY Shelby Scalici, MA CCC-SLP / NOVEMBER 4, 2025
One of the unique and incredible practices of The WAE Center is an openness to trying new things. Not only is every member supported here, but the staff is supported in exploring new ways to help members be their best.
Recently, I have been encouraged to venture out and provide speech therapy in the homes of our residents.
The goal of treatment at home is multifaceted. The hope is to bridge the therapy that happens at the WAE Center, with the ways that our members communicate at home. Working with residential staff on a consistent basis allows for advocacy as a team. With this new understanding, staff can better support residents to practice what is worked on during therapy. Staff also gain knowledge to recognize challenges and take steps to better support growth. Our focus on functional skills directs our members to be more independent throughout their day. Seeing the homes and experiencing how residents interact and engage in that space gives a significant amount of insight to better serve our residents.
Our residents and staff have responded with excitement beyond our expectations. The members seek me out throughout the day to confirm that I would be “coming over later to play games”. They suggest activities and greet me with enthusiasm when I see them at home!
“Day making moments” are seen regularly here at The WAE Center.
One specific member comes to mind who has truly been shining through. This member has always been easy-going and happy, however, passive in nature with limited speaking and interaction. Over the past few months, this member has started to initiate, respond, laugh, giggle more, sing with staff, and even speak more. What an amazing thing to see! Her increased amount of time spent with one-to-one interaction has proven to be life altering. Her growing skills and confidence have been noted not only during speech, but with residential and WAE staffers as well.
I’ve observed that members demonstrate a feeling of pride when they show me their house. I love seeing their bedrooms which reflect who they are and what is important to them. Seeing historical pictures of residents displayed at each home has been one of my favorite parts of this new opportunity.
I have many exciting ideas for future activities and special moments for our members.
Let’s continue to grow together!