Tikoteekki logo – Linkki etusivulle

Communication and Technology Centre Tikoteekki

Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FAIDD)

Participation for all – bringing communication aids and interaction models into use

Tikoteekki is a communication and technology Centre. It promotes the best possible communication for people with communication impairments. People who have difficulties in either speech reception or expression can benefit from the usage of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. These difficulties can be caused by, for instance, cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, developmental language disorders, different neurological disorders or brain injuries.

The quality of life of people with communication impairments depends strongly on how their significant others (families, caretakers, professionals etc.) are able to promote equal interaction.

Tikoteekki has a number of experts who can offer training and consultancy sessions on interaction with people with complex communication needs, AAC, assistive technology solutions, models and methods of working (OIVA).

Tikoteekki works at a local, national and international level.

What do we do?

We maintain a national network among various units of specialized health care that offer communication aid services.
We develop communication aid services together with other actors in the field to ensure user-based approaches, correct timing and harmonized practices.
We develop guidance models that enhance interaction between people with communication impairments and their significant others.
We gather and disseminate information about AAC and assistive technology solutions.
We maintain websites, produce videos, communication materials and publish the Tikonen newsletter.
We organize training events and consultancy sessions for professionals in the field.

Partners in cooperation

In Finland, national level:

Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (legislation)
National Institute for Health and Welfare (communication aids, services)
Kela – The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (interpreter services for people with speech impairments)
Units of central hospitals responsible for communication aid services (training, dissemination of information, equitable services)
NGOs such as the Finnish CP Association, the Finnish Brain Association, the Alzheimer Society of Finland, the Finnish Association for Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, various organizations for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities

International:

  • ISAAC – The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  • The Intensive Interaction Institute, UK
  • Talking Mats Centre, Scotland
  • Kommunikations- och dataresurscenter DART, Sweden
  • ETNA – European Thematic Network on Assistive Information Technologies
  • Cogain – Communication by Gaze Interaction
  • AAATE – Association for Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe

Contact information:
FAIDD, Kehitysvammaliitto ry
Tikoteekki
Viljatie 4 B
FI-00700 Helsinki
Finland
tel. +358 9 3480 9370
telefax +358 9 3853 398
tikoteekki(at)kvl.fi