Complex Communication & AAC Medico-Legal Consultant for Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Disability and Future Care Planning

When communication has been affected by developmental disability, neurological injury, complex medical conditions, or lifelong disability, expert speech-language pathology evidence is essential to understanding the functional impact on an individual’s daily life, education, employment, independence, and future support needs.

Chelsey Chichak, M.S., SLP(C), CCC-SLP provides independent medico-legal speech-language pathology assessments for plaintiff and defence counsel throughout British Columbia and across Canada.

With more than 15 years of clinical experience and extensive expertise in complex communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Chelsey provides objective, evidence-based opinions regarding communication abilities, functional limitations, future communication needs, and appropriate interventions.

Areas of Medico-Legal Expertise

Chelsey provides independent opinions in matters involving, but not limited to:

  • Complex communication disorders
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Developmental language disorders
  • Speech sound disorders
  • Motor speech disorders
  • Cognitive-communication disorders
  • Literacy disorders
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Neurological disorders
  • Functional communication
  • Assistive technology
  • Educational communication supports
  • Communication across the lifespan

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Comprehensive AAC assessments
  • Eye-gaze technology
  • Speech-generating devices
  • High-tech AAC
  • Low-tech communication systems
  • Device funding recommendations
  • Long-term AAC planning
  • Caregiver implementation
  • Technology replacement planning

Her expertise includes assessing how communication impairments affect an individual’s ability to learn, participate in daily activities, access education, interact with others, and achieve independence.

Areas of Opinion

Reports may address:

  • Communication functioning across home, school, community, and vocational settings
  • Functional impact of communication impairments
  • Speech, language, literacy, and cognitive-communication abilities
  • AAC assessment and long-term communication planning
  • Future therapy recommendations
  • Equipment recommendations
  • Communication support worker needs
  • Educational accommodations
  • Caregiver training requirements
  • Prognosis
  • Future communication-related costs

Why Retain Chelsey Chichak?

Chelsey brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, leadership, and specialized experience that is uncommon within speech-language pathology.

Highlights include:

  • Over 15 years of clinical experience
  • Director of Mainland Speech Language Pathology Inc.
  • Former Medico-Legal Consultant with Advantage Speech-Language Pathology
  • Expertise in complex communication and AAC across the lifespan
  • Extensive experience working with children and adults with neurological, developmental, and medically complex conditions
  • Certified TouchChat Trainer
  • California State University Northridge Assistive Technology Certificate
  • Extensive postgraduate training in AAC, autism, literacy, language disorders, motor speech disorders, and assistive technology
  • Experienced presenter and educator at provincial and national conferences

Assessment Process

Every medico-legal assessment is individualized to the referral questions and may include:

  • Comprehensive record review
  • Clinical interview
  • Standardized assessment
  • Functional communication assessment
  • AAC assessment, when indicated
  • Consultation with family members and care providers
  • Review of educational and rehabilitation records
  • Detailed written expert report
  • Consultation with legal counsel

Who I Work With

Chelsey accepts referrals from:

  • Plaintiff counsel
  • Defence counsel
  • Insurance providers
  • Case managers
  • Future care planners
  • Rehabilitation professionals

Geographic Availability

Assessments are available throughout:

  • British Columbia
  • Alberta
  • Saskatchewan
  • Manitoba
  • Ontario

Virtual consultations are available where appropriate.

Professional Background

Chelsey earned her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Eastern Washington University and is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. She maintains professional memberships with ASHA, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada, Speech and Hearing BC, and the Registry of Autism Service Providers.

Her practice focuses on complex communication assessment, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), assistive technology, developmental disabilities, autism, neurological disorders, and medico-legal consultation.

Request a Medico-Legal Consultation

If you are seeking an expert speech-language pathologist for a medico-legal matter involving communication disorders, AAC, or complex communication needs, please contact Chelsey at chelsey@mainlandspeech.com to discuss the referral and determine whether the case is an appropriate fit.

One of the few Canadian Speech-Language Pathologists specializing in both Complex Communication and Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) within Medico-Legal Practice.