It is vital the airway is kept clear by removing any secretions that form. The child's vocalization and speech is often affected by the tracheostomy. Some children have a partial air leak through the vocal cords aiding some vocalization. Others are not so fortunate. All these children are assessed by the speech and language therapist, and many need speech and language therapy at some stage.
Some children have a speaking valve inserted into their tube.
ACT has approximately 500 members. Some are associate members from the medical profession and interested persons such as teachers and speech and language therapists. It holds bi-annual study days for professionals and annual study days for parents. Membership is free to parents , a fee of 10 is charged for associate membership. All members receive quarterly newsletters , and ACT has also published an information booklet .