Overview

Augmentative and alternative communication systems can be a great tool for individuals who can’t reliably use their speech for functional communication with others. The selection process of the appropriate AAC device can enhance more than just an individual’s communication. However, many factors need to be considered and multiple team members involved for a comprehensive AAC prescription. Multifocal AAC devices have the functionality to address additional context areas such as phone, computer, environmental control, and power wheelchair driving. Thorough assessment of clients’ goals as well as interdisciplinary therapy collaboration is critical to yield a more effective AAC solution.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify various contexts to which AAC can be expanded to address client's personal goals.
2. Discuss two or more benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to AAC procurement.
3. Describe three different device specifications which should be critically evaluated during an AAC evaluation.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

AT Specialists; Communication Specialist; Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists

Experience Level

Intermediate; Advanced

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Adult/Senior

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with live-stream

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Online Education CEUs

This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; ASHA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Speaker/s:

Jody Bastien, OTD, OTR/L, SCEM, ATP

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Assistive Technology Program Coordinator

Biography

Jody Bastien is an occupational therapist who works at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Unit as the Assistive Technology Program Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She received her ATP from RESNA and her SCEM from AOTA. Jody is a subject matter expert in the service delivery of assistive technology for Veterans with complex diagnosis of ALS, MS, and spinal cord injury.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
These authors are employed by the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Kaila Ott, MS, ATP, RET

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Clinical Rehabilitation Engineer

Biography

Kaila Ott is a clinical rehabilitation engineer who works on the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders unit at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia and her Master’s in Rehabilitation Science & Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been with VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System since October 2018. Kaila is a subject matter expert in complex seating and wheeled mobility and assistive technology needs for high level spinal cord injury, ALS, and MS patients.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
These authors are employed by the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No