AN INSPIRATIONAL Speech and Language Therapist who goes above and beyond in her role has received a special award.

Carol Davies-Owen, who leads the Additional Learning Needs Team within Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Services across Gwynedd and Anglesey, received the ‘Working in Partnership’ award at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Achievement Awards.

Carol has established effective joint working with special schools which has allowed her to create a universal level of provision to support the communication skills of all pupils attending these schools, not just those currently under the Speech and Language Therapy service. The pupils who attend these schools are supported to develop effective communication.

Carol is currently supporting Canolfan Addysg y Bont in Llangefni, Ysgol Hafod Lon in Penrhyndeudraeth and Ysgol Pendalar in Caernarfon to achieve a sought after accreditation of ‘Communication Friendly Setting’ status, which when achieved will be the first of these accreditations to be awarded to any school in Wales.

Her colleague, David Hostler, who nominated her for the award, said: “Carol is an extremely worthy winner, she is an inspirational advocate for the importance of accessible communication for all children and young people, no matter what challenges they face in life.

“Carol thinks about communication in a different way to other therapists I have worked with in the past, in that she feels strongly that communication is an intrinsic part of everything we do as humans.

“She has supported schools to implement a wide range of communication support strategies and interventions with confidence."