Efficacy of interdisciplinary assessment and treatment for infants and preschoolers with congenital and acquired brain injury

This paper describes the added value that arises from capitalising on academic and social networks for researchers and people with acquired brain injury. First, it is proposed that brain injury researchers are connected within six degrees of separation. As a model, ‘The Oracle of Bacon’ demonstrates how any actor can be linked through his or her film roles to the actor Kevin Bacon within six steps. This concept is extrapolated to the existing networks of brain injury researchers. Capitalising on these networks can lead to potent and ground-breaking discoveries. The Clinical Centre of Research Excellence (CCRE) in Aphasia Rehabilitation provides an example of the benefits of networking and collaboration in the quest to improve the lives of people with aphasia. The CCRE uses multiple theoretical perspectives in studies evaluating the assessment and treatment of aphasia. It is utilising capacity building, knowledge translation and a community of practice to inform and expand research capacity. Networks can also be used to improve the communication of people with brain injury within their everyday environment. A recent study is described where communication partners were trained to improve the interactions of people with traumatic brain injury, which led to improvements in social networks and improved engagement in life activities. Finally, it is suggested that with the advances in e-communication, there is a great deal of scope for the use of social networking technologies in the assessment and treatment of people with acquired brain injury.

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Training-the-Trainer on Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC): Current Practices

Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders ◽

10.1044/nnsld23.2.90 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 90-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Laurie Ehlhardt Powell ◽

Tracey Wallace ◽

Michelle ranae Wild

Keyword(s):

Brain Injury ◽

Assistive Technology ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Online Training ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Train The Trainer ◽

Rehabilitation Professionals ◽

Remote Locations ◽

Training Package ◽

And Training

Research shows that if clinicians are to deliver effective, evidence-based assistive technology for cognition (ATC) services to clients with acquired brain injury (ABI), they first need opportunities to gain knowledge and experience with ATC assessment and training practices (O'Neil-Pirozzi, Kendrick, Goldstein, & Glenn, 2004). This article describes three examples of train the trainer materials and programs to address this need: (a) a toolkit for trainers to learn more about assessing and training ATC; (b) a comprehensive, trans-disciplinary program for training staff to provide ATC services in a metropolitan area; and (c) an overview of an on-site/online training package for rehabilitation professionals working with individuals with ABI in remote locations.

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