FAQ

1. What is CAYA?

Communication Assistance for Young Adults (CAYA) is a project created by SET-BC to serve adults between the ages of 19-35 years who require alternative or augmentative communication (AAC) assistance.

2. What does CAYA offer?

The CAYA project offers services in five areas:

• Individuals in transition - CAYA will provide communication assistance to students leaving the K-12 education system.
• Assessment – young adults between the ages of 19 and 35 years of age are eligible for CAYA assessment services to have their communication systems updated
• Equipment - CAYA will maintain a loan bank of AAC devices for young adults between the ages of 19-35 years. The loan bank also maintains a technical support centre for CAYA equipment at 1-866-738-3375 or support@cayabc.org.
• Training and Resources - Families and other care providers may need training to implement AAC initiatives for young adults. Training modules and resource packages are offered, both in small group settings and on-line through the SET-BC Learning Centre.
• Follow-up - CAYA staff will create and update communication boards and support equipment for young adults who need this service.

3. Who is eligible for CAYA services?

• Students in Grade 12 (or the last year of their K-12 program) who require an augmentative or alternative communication system for use post-graduation.
• Young adults between the ages of 19-35 who require an augmentative or alternative communication system.
  
• Young adults between the ages of 19-35 who are already using an augmentative or alternative communication system, but require further training and resources.

4. What is the CAYA process?

• Once eligibility is established, the CAYA team determines if further assessment information is needed before other CAYA services are put in place.
• After assessment, CAYA will work with families, health agencies, group homes, and other community-based organizations to ensure that the young adult receives the appropriate level of support and equipment.
• CAYA staff members will monitor the progress of adults between the ages of 19-35 years through community follow-up.

5. How does one apply?

You can download the appropriate forms from this website, links are available at the top of this page or the CAYA homepage. SET-BC graduates complete the Transition form and all other applicants complete the Request for Service form. Then fax the completed form to Jeff Riley at (604) 261-2256. You will be contacted shortly thereafter.

The CAYA project is located at SET-BC Provincial Centre:

#105-1750 West 75th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6P 6G2
Tel: 604 261-9450
Fax: 604 261-2256

For general enquiries, the CAYA email address is contact@cayabc.org