Overview

Individuals with Neurodegenerative Diseases and specifically Motor Neuron Disease (MND) have complex communication needs involving use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) throughout the progression of the disease. Decisions regarding low tech vs. high tech AAC options are driven by the speech and motor stages of progression and patient preference. This presentation will describe and present specific current low-tech eye gaze alternative access AAC methods, providing audience hands-on application and interaction with different systems. The goal of this presentation is to educate providers to empower individuals with MND to utilize low tech eye gaze communication methods throughout the course of disease progression.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate use of three different low-tech eye-gaze AAC systems for utilization in the MND population.
2. Describe the Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS) approach with use of low-tech eye gaze systems for communication.
3. Describe one or more specific communication contexts in which low-tech eye-gaze communication systems are applicable for use.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

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

Experience Level

Intermediate

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 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (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:

Sarah Whyte, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP, CBIS

Orlando Health Southlake Hospital, Speech Language Pathologist

Biography

Sarah Whyte is a Speech Language Pathologist, Certified Brain Injury Specialist and holds an Assistive Technology Professional Certification. Sarah’s passion is Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology and has been working with both the aphasia and neurodegenerative population for over 10 years. She has had the opportunity to teach AAC the graduate level and present at both local and national levels on AAC and AT. She currently works at Orlando Health, serving as part clinical and part Rehabilitation Educator and enjoys helping to facilitate staff and clinician growth and student growth for the next generation.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No