Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA) operates as a project created through Special Education Technology BC (SET-BC). Our clients are adults aged 19 years and older who require an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) system due to a severe communication disability, i.e. speech that is not functional for daily communication. The goal of CAYA is to ensure that eligible individuals have access to the communication tools and professional support to enable them to create an adult life to the best of their abilities.

CAYA has been operating continuously since 2005 and as of April 2011 supports over 600 adults with communication disabilities across BC. On April 1st, 2011, CAYA received an additional one-time grant of $1,650,000 from the Ministry of Social Development to continue to provide communication devices and services to people with complex communication disabilities in BC for the 2011-2012 year. The ministry has committed to working with the community and CAYA to develop cost effective and long-term sustainable services for British Columbians with severe communication disabilities.

Due to expansion of our client eligibility age range in 2010, and the fiscal impact of this change, CAYA has exhausted funding for equipment in the Loan Bank. Improved funding is under discussion with the BC Government, but until additional funding arrives, CAYA will operate with a reduced equipment budget, focusing exclusively on assessments. For more details, please click here.