Teaching Partners to Support Communication for Adults with Acquired Communication Impairment

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J. Ball ◽  
Joanne Lasker
Keyword(s):  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Communication Impairment ◽  
Communication Partner ◽  
Communication Partners ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
End Of Life Communication ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract For adults with acquired communication impairment, particularly those who have communication disorders associated with stroke or neurodegenerative disease, communication partners play an important role in establishing and maintaining communicative competence. In this paper, we assemble some evidence on this topic and integrate it with current preferred practice patterns (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2004). Our goals are to help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify and describe partner-based communication strategies for adults with acquired impairment, implement evidence-based approaches for teaching strategies to communication partners, and employ a Personnel Framework (Binger et al., 2012) to clarify partners? roles in acquiring and supporting communication tools for individuals with acquired impairments. We offer specific guidance about AAC techniques and message selection for communication partners involved with chronic, degenerative, and end of life communication. We discuss research and provide examples of communication partner supports for person(s) with aphasia and person(s) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who have complex communication needs.

The Trifocus Framework and Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Severe Disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Bruce ◽  
Susan M. Bashinski
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
Communication Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice ◽  
Communication Partner ◽  
Communication Partners ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Fidelity Measures

PurposeIndividuals with severe disabilities are a diverse group of learners with complex communication needs. This article presents a synthesis of the literature addressing the five strategies of the trifocus framework, with its triadic structure of learner with disability, communication partner, and environment. The application of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) to the implementation of trifocus framework communication strategies is emphasized.MethodA literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and EBSCO to identify literature and research studies on IPCP and communication intervention for learners with severe disabilities, published 1994–2015, and then organized within the trifocus framework. The trifocus strategies are enhancing sensitivity, utilizing routines, increasing communication opportunities, modifying the communication environment, and augmenting input. Studies that included at least one participant with severe disabilities and their communication partners were considered. A secondary search was then conducted by reviewing the articles referenced in the original articles.ConclusionEffective IPCP in communication intervention considers the learner's characteristics, the knowledge and skills required of communication partners, and effective environmental arrangements to support communication. Future research should include clear participant descriptions, documentation of fidelity measures, and evidence of generalization to support professionals to know when findings are relevant to the individuals they serve.

Communication Partner Interventions for Students Who Use AAC

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kent-Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Communication Partner ◽  
Communication Partners ◽  
Outcomes For Children

Abstract Research indicates that the communication skills of partners significantly influence the success of communicative interactions with individuals who use AAC. Frequently, partners have been reported to not provide supportive opportunities for communication when interacting with individuals who use AAC. In turn, individuals who use AAC have been documented to often be passive communicators, particularly when they are at the beginning stages of developing communicative competence. Given the importance of effective communication skills in the school environment, it is essential that speech-language pathologists consider conducting partner interventions when working with school-age children with AAC needs. This article provides practical suggestions for speech-language pathologists by exploring (a) the range of communication partners who may benefit from partner interventions, (b) examples of interaction skills that can be targeted through partner interventions, and (c) a suggested protocol for communication partner interventions. By providing interventions for communication partners who are complimentary to interventions provided directly, it is possible for school SLPs to strengthen their approach to improving communication and educational outcomes for children with AAC needs.

An Exploratory Study on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Classroom Integration Training for Special Educators Who Work With Children With Complex Communication Needs in the Bahamas

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 991-1016
Author(s):  
Shameka Stanford ◽  
Ovetta Harris
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Classroom Integration ◽  
And Training

Purpose In 2011, the United Nations estimated there were between 180 and 220 million youth with disabilities living around the world, and 80% of them resided in developing countries. Over the last 6 years, this number has increased significantly, and now, over 1 million people live in the Caribbean with some form of disability such as communication disorders resulting in complex communication needs (CCN). Method This publication discusses the benefits of an exploratory, descriptive, nonexperimental study on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) classroom integration training for 8 special educators in the Bahamas who work with children with CCN. Results The results of this study revealed that 100% of the participants reported the study to be effective in increasing their knowledge and skill in the area of implementing AAC into their classrooms, enhancing their ability to team teach and incorporate AAC opportunities for all students with CCN within their classrooms, and increasing their knowledge and skill overall in the areas of AAC and CCN. Conclusion The findings highlight an important area of potential professional development and training that can be replicated in other English-speaking Caribbean territories focused on AAC classroom integration training program for special educators who teach students with CCN.

The Need for Nurse Training to Promote Improved Patient-Provider Communication for Patients With Complex Communication Needs

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Downey ◽  
Mary Beth Happ
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Provider Communication ◽  
Nurse Training ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Patient Provider Communication ◽  
Communication Needs

Abstract Hospitalized patients across the age continuum often present with complex communication needs (CCN) due to motor, sensory, cognitive, and linguistic barriers they may experience during their admission. Although hospitals recognize the need to enhance communication to improve quality and safety for all patients, the emphasis has been primarily on improving ”care coordination” amongst the health care providers the patient encounters across all points of admission. Most hospitals have yet to focus on improving the patient-provider communication experience, especially for patients with CCN. However, this population no longer can be ignored, as new standards mandate efforts to improve communication for patients with CCN. Nurses, as the team members responsible for continuous care during hospital stays, and speech-language pathologists, as communication disorders specialists, are positioned distinctively to facilitate patient communication and prevent miscommunications between patients and care providers. This article highlights the need to enhance the patient-provider communication experience for patients with CCN. We review the state of nurse training for patients with CCN, discuss the role speech-language pathologists can play in developing and implementing nurse training protocols, and outline basic elements nurse training modules should include.

scholarly journals Communicative Interaction with and without Eye-Gaze Technology between Children and Youths with Complex Needs and Their Communication Partners

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5134
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsin Hsieh ◽  
Maria Borgestig ◽  
Deepika Gopalarao ◽  
Joy McGowan ◽  
Mats Granlund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Dyadic Interaction ◽  
Communicative Interaction ◽  
Communication Interface ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Dyadic Communication ◽  
Communication Partners ◽  
Severe Motor ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Symmetrical Communication

Use of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) provides children/youths with severe motor and speech impairments communication opportunities by using eyes to control a communication interface on a computer. However, knowledge about how using EGAT contributes to communication and influences dyadic interaction remains limited. Aim: By video-coding dyadic interaction sequences, this study investigates the impacts of employing EGAT, compared to the Non-EGAT condition on the dyadic communicative interaction. Method: Participants were six dyads with children/youths aged 4–19 years having severe physical disabilities and complex communication needs. A total of 12 film clips of dyadic communication activities with and without EGAT in natural contexts were included. Based on a systematic coding scheme, dyadic communication behaviors were coded to determine the interactional structure and communicative functions. Data were analyzed using a three-tiered method combining group and individual analysis. Results: When using EGAT, children/youths increased initiations in communicative interactions and tended to provide more information, while communication partners made fewer communicative turns, initiations, and requests compared to the Non-EGAT condition. Communication activities, eye-control skills, and communication abilities could influence dyadic interaction. Conclusion: Use of EGAT shows potential to support communicative interaction by increasing children’s initiations and intelligibility, and facilitating symmetrical communication between dyads.

“My World Has Expanded Even Though I'm Stuck at Home”: Experiences of Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Social Media

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Caron ◽  
Janice Light
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Modes ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

PurposeThis study aimed to expand the current understanding of how persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS) use augmentative and alternative communication and social media to address their communication needs.MethodAn online focus group was used to investigate the experiences of 9 pALS who use augmentative and alternative communication and social media. Questions posed to the group related to (a) current use of social media, (b) advantages of social media, (c) barriers to independent use, (d) supports to independent use, and (e) recommendations for developers, policy makers, and other pALS.ResultsParticipants primarily reported that use of social media was a beneficial tool that provided increased communication opportunities, connections to communication partners, and networks of support. Specific results are discussed with reference to the research as well as implications for practice and recommendations for future research.ConclusionsAs individuals with ALS experience loss of function, some communication modes may no longer be viable. Providing access to different modes of communication, including social media, can allow independence, participation and better quality of life.

Factors in Targeting Proficiency Levels and an Approach to “Real” and “Realistic” Practice

1980 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
Gail Guntermann
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
The United States ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Coherent System ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Communication Events ◽  
Present Decade ◽  
Communication Needs

During most of the present decade the foreign-language teaching profession in the United States has devoted prodigious efforts to the creation and publication of classroom exercises to develop the learners' ability to communicate. While the resulting diversity of activities bears testimony to the ingenuity of foreign language educators, it also manifests the lack of a coherent system for specifying objectives and creating or selecting appropriate activities for practice. That ubiquitous term “communicative competence” has lacked an operational definition. The concept of functional syllabus design, founded on the identification of the sociolinguistic factors that comprise communication events, suggests some means to fill that void. Once the learners' communication needs have been ascertained, inventories of functions, notions, and keys should be valuable tools for selecting appropriate linguistic exponents and generally determining course content.

Language Modeling as an Efficacious Early Language Intervention Approach With Young Children Demonstrating Complex Communication Needs

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patti Solomon-Rice ◽  
Gloria Soto
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Language Modeling ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Partner ◽  
Aided Aac ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Partner Training

Abstract This article highlights evidence supporting the efficacy of adult language modeling and child imitation, including use of aided AAC modeling, during language intervention with young children demonstrating complex communication needs. First, four evidence-based language intervention approaches that incorporate adult language modeling and child imitation with young children demonstrating language delays are described. Second, two additional evidence-based language intervention approaches that incorporate aided AAC modeling during communication partner training, and direct clinical intervention with young children using aided AAC are further discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for strategies to use during language intervention with young children who use aided AAC.

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