A Cultural Bases to Develop Strong Advocates for Client and Family Involvement In the Speech-Generated Device Evaluation and Funding Process

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ovetta Harris
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists

This article describes information that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) should be aware of in order to serve as strong advocates in assisting families with users of augmentative and alternative Communication to obtain evaluations and funding for SGDs. Cultural knowledge and awareness is important in providing competent service delivery. Awareness of concerns of many culturally diverse individuals seeking an SGD is discussed, as well as conditions that necessitate the SLP serving as a strong advocate for families with funding needs.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Service by Speech–Language Pathologists in Taiwan

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Ju Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
And Training ◽  
Northern Taiwan

Speech language pathologists (SLPs) play a leading role in overall augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service delivery. Several changes (e.g., the provision of university AAC courses) related to AAC occurred in Taiwan in the past. However, little information of AAC services provided by SLPs in Taiwan is available. The purpose of the article is to review the evolution of AAC service delivery by SLPs in Taiwan. Findings from Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong served as a reference. A questionnaire was mailed to 302 participants registered with the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Taiwan (SLHA) as SLPs. A response rate is 33%. Most SLPs work in a department of rehabilitation in a hospital setting which is in northern Taiwan. Workshops held by the SLHA were the major resources for obtaining professional knowledge in AAC. Collaboration with an AAC team and training in the use of high-tech communication devices were the most desired forms of information and/or training. Implications are discussed.

Instruction Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Supports: Description of Current Practices by Speech-Language Pathologists Who Work With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 586-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn A. Clarke ◽  
Diane L. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Diagnostic Category ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Processing Differences

Purpose The aim of this research study was to examine common practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with respect to whether or not SLPs consider processing differences in ASD or the effects of input during their instruction. Method Following a qualitative research method, how SLPs instruct and present augmentative and alternative communication systems to individuals with ASD, their rationale for method selection, and their perception of the efficacy of selected interventions were probed. Semistructured interviews were conducted as part of an in-depth case report with content analysis. Results Based on completed interviews, 4 primary themes were identified: (a) instructional method , (b) input provided , (c) decision-making process , and (d) perceived efficacy of treatment . Additionally, one secondary theme, training and education received , was identified . Conclusions Clinicians reported making decisions based on the needs of the child; however, they also reported making decisions based on the diagnostic category that characterized the child (i.e., ASD). The use of modeling when teaching augmentative and alternative communication to individuals with ASD emerged as a theme, but variations in the method of modeling were noted. SLPs did not report regularly considering processing differences in ASD, nor did they consider the effects of input during instruction.

Issues in Language Sample Collection and Analysis With Children Using AAC

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Van Tatenhove
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Language Sample Analysis ◽  
Language Sample

Language sample analysis is considered one of the best methods of evaluating expressive language production in speaking children. However, the practice of language sample collection and analysis is complicated for speech-language pathologists working with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This article identifies six issues regarding use of language sample collection and analysis in clinical practice with children who use AAC devices. The purpose of this article is to encourage speech-language pathologists practicing in the area of AAC to utilize language sample collection and analysis as part of ongoing AAC assessment.

A Survey of American Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Intervention Across Language Domains

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Thomas Kovacs
Keyword(s):  
Continuing Education ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Communication Assessment ◽  
Pragmatic Skills ◽  
Training Practice

Purpose The aim of the study was to collect information about American speech-language pathologists' preprofessional training, practice, self-perceived competence, adequacy of resources, and interest in continuing education related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment and intervention strategies addressing each of the five language domains: semantics, pragmatics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. Method An anonymous online survey of American speech-language pathologists was conducted. Results A majority of participants rated their preprofessional training for assessing semantic and pragmatic skills positively. Otherwise, a majority of participants rated preprofessional training for assessment and intervention negatively across language domains. High interest in continuing education opportunities addressing assessment and intervention was found across language domains. A discrepancy between responses to questions addressing semantic and pragmatic skills and responses to questions addressing phonological, morphological, and syntactic skills was consistently found for ratings of preprofessional training, practice, perceived competence, and adequacy of resources. In all cases, higher frequencies of positive ratings were found for questions addressing semantic and pragmatic skills. Conclusions Improved preprofessional training and continuing education opportunities are needed to support AAC assessment and intervention across language domains. Perspectives and practice patterns reflect a historical emphasis on semantic and pragmatic skills in the external evidence base, even though there are several recent journal articles addressing morphology and syntax in clients who use AAC.

scholarly journals Complex intervention in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) care in Germany: a study protocol of an evaluation study with a controlled mixed-methods design

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e029469
Author(s):  
Anna Zinkevich ◽  
Sarah Anna Katharina Uthoff ◽  
Jens Boenisch ◽  
Stefanie Kalén Sachse ◽  
Tobias Bernasconi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Complex Intervention ◽  
Data Protection ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Summative Evaluation ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Service Delivery Model ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Delivery Model

IntroductionThe current practice of service delivery in Germany for people with complex communication needs (CCN) who are in need of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is characterised by diverse problems, including a lack of clarity in the responsibilities of the service providers involved. To address these issues a new service delivery model has been put in place, implemented in three AAC counselling centres for patients with a particular health insurance across Germany. The implementation of a new service delivery model aims to improve individualised service delivery. The model goes beyond standard care by adding case management, counselling, AAC training and, if needed, AAC therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this complex intervention.Methods and analysisIn consideration of the complexity of the new service delivery model, formative and summative evaluation will be conducted. The formative evaluation will provide data based on qualitative and quantitative assessments of the competences and perspectives of all involved stakeholders, including a proxy measurement of persons with CCN. The summative evaluation will include a controlled study design as the new service delivery model will be compared against the service delivery in an existing contract and against data gathered from caregivers of AAC users provided with standard care. With the exception of the individual interviews the data will be collected from proxies—that is, informal and formal caregivers.Ethics and disseminationData collection, storage and evaluation meet the currently valid data protection regulations. Consultation by the responsible data protection officer of the Oldenburg Medical School and a positive vote from its Ethics Committee were obtained prior to the start of the study. Dissemination strategies include the presentation of the obtained data and results in the form of publications and at conferences.Trial registration numberDRKS00013628.

Participação da família na confecção de tecnologia assistiva para pessoas com deficiência (p. 163-178)

1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munique Massaro ◽  
Débora Deliberato
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Family Relations ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
The Family ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Technology Professional ◽  
Technology Resources

ResumoConsultoria colaborativa entre os profissionais da reabilitação e as famílias das pessoas com deficiência é essencial para o uso dos recursos de tecnologia assistiva em diversos contextos. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as etapas de preparação e de desenvolvimento dos recursos de tecnologia assistiva durante as oficinas de orientação sobre o sistema de comunicação alternativa para as famílias das pessoas com deficiência. Participaram deste estudo cinco famílias de adultos com deficiência que usam a comunicação suplementar e alternativa. Durante a coleta de dados, foram utilizados diário de bordo e a tecnologia de vídeo. Os resultados indicaram que a sistematização dos passos para a elaboração e para a adaptação do recurso foi fundamental para a construção de adaptação de materiais. O envolvimento da família na seleção, na adaptação e na utilização de recursos de comunicação suplementar e alternativa favoreceu a compreensão da família sobre a importância da comunicação alternativa.Palavras-chave: Tecnologia assistiva. Relações profissional-família. Linguagem.Family participation in crafting assistive technology resources for people with disabilitiesAbstractCollaborative consultation between rehabilitation professionals with families of disabled people is essential for the use of assistive technology resources in different contexts. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the preparation and development steps of the assistive technology resources during alternative communication system workshops for disabled people’s families. In this study, we selected five families of disabled adults that use augmentative and alternative communication. During the data collection a logbook and video technology were used. The results showed that the systematization of steps to elaborate and adapt the resource was key to construct the adapting of materials. The family involvement in the selection, adaptation and use of augmentative and alternative communication resources favored the understanding of the family on the importance of alternative communication.Keywords: Assistive technology. Professional-family relations. Language.Participación de la familia en la fabricación de tecnología de asistencia para personas con discapacidadResumenConsultoría de colaboración entre los profesionales de la rehabilitación con las familias de las personas con discapacidad es esencial para el uso de los recursos de tecnología de asistencia en diferentes contextos. Por lo tanto, este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las etapas de preparación y desarrollo de los recursos de tecnología de asistencia durante los talleres de orientación sobre el sistema de comunicación alternativa para las familias de personas con discapacidad. En este estudio participaron cinco familias de adultos con discapacidad que utilizan la comunicación aumentativa y alternativa. Durante la recolección de datos se utilizaron bitácora y tecnología de vídeo. Los resultados indicaron que la sistematización de medidas para el desarrollo y la adaptación de la función era esencial para la construcción de materiales de adaptación. La participación familiar en la selección, adaptación y uso de características y alternativas de comunicación adicionales a favor de la comprensión de la familia acerca de la importancia de la comunicación alternativa.Palabras clave: Tecnología de asistencia. Relaciones profesionales en la familia. Lenguaje.

scholarly journals Augmentative and Alternative Communication Telepractice During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Elizabeth E. Biggs ◽  
Michelle C. S. Therrien ◽  
Sarah N. Douglas ◽  
Melinda R. Snodgrass
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Know How ◽  
School Based ◽  
Aided Aac ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Purpose: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sudden, widespread use of telepractice, including providing services to children who use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This exploratory study examined speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) experiences using telepractice to provide services to children and youth aged 3–21 years who used aided AAC during the earlier months of the pandemic (May–June 2020). Method: Three hundred thirty-one SLPs responded to an online survey. Closed- and open-ended survey items were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively and mixed at the point of interpretation to understand the experiences of SLPs related to the use of telepractice with children who use aided AAC, including how they perceived effectiveness. Results: Most SLPs were using telepractice to provide both direct and consultation/coaching services to children who used aided AAC. There was fairly wide variation in perceptions of effectiveness of both types of services, but SLPs were more likely to rate consultation/coaching services as being more effective than direct services. SLPs identified factors impacting effectiveness across five dimensions: broader factors, practice-based factors (i.e., technology, the type of services), the child, parents and family members, and professionals. School-based SLPs perceived telepractice as being less effective than non–school-based SLPs. Conclusions: The use of telepractice during the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded quite differently for different SLPs and the children who use aided AAC that they serve. Although AAC telepractice offers promise for the future, particularly for partnering with families, further research is needed to know how to overcome challenges experienced by SLPs. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17139434

Special Interest Group 12, Augmentative and Alternative Communication

ASHA Leader ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Group ◽  
Special Interest ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Special Interest Group ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Group 12

By affiliating with SIG 12, ASHA members have the opportunity to participate in a community of peers dedicated to improving the quality and availability of AAC services to consumers throughout the lifespan, promoting clinically relevant research, educating and mentoring current and future professionals, and identifying and addressing the service-provision needs of speech-language pathologists and audiologists

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