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A Simplified Process for AAC Assessment. Decision-Making and Device Selection

A Simplified Process for AAC Assessment. Decision-Making and Device Selection. Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP Elizabeth (Libby) S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM. Five Types of Information for Quality AAC Evaluations. Overview of process Assessment of user’s skills Knowledge about AAC tools/devices

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A Simplified Process for AAC Assessment. Decision-Making and Device Selection

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  1. A Simplified Process for AAC Assessment. Decision-Making and Device Selection Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP Elizabeth (Libby) S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM

  2. Five Types of Information for Quality AAC Evaluations • Overview of process • Assessment of user’s skills • Knowledge about AAC tools/devices • Decision-making & supporting documentation • Evidence best practices

  3. Overview of the process • Gather information before assessment • Gather materials for assessment • Do the assessment – determine user’s skills • Summarize assessment • Research devices (optional) • Trial devices (as appropriate) • Consider other factors / needs (Environmental /clinical considerations, etc.) • Final recommendations / report • Funding paperwork as required

  4. II. Assessment resources • Appropriate tools on hand (low-tech to high-tech) • Outside resources (vendors, AAC/AT specialists, web, etc.) • How to utilize them

  5. A toolkit to support evaluation process • Objects, photos, symbols, & overlays • Display boards • Dry erase board • Sequencer • Progressive communicator • Auditory choice making communicator or auditory scanning device • Switch activated devices (toy or fan or vibrating Pillow) . . . . . continued

  6. TOOLKIT - continued • Battery adaptor • Array of Switches • Switch Interface • Switch Mounting system

  7. Toolkit - continued • Touchscreen • Laser Light • Eye gaze board • Manmade keyguard

  8. “Higher Tech” • Laptop computer or tablet computer • Touch Screen • Dynamic Display Software (3rd party) • Download AAC software demos • PowerPoint

  9. TOOLKIT additions for access Can do as low-tech assessment • Keyguard • Pointing light • Eye gaze • Positioning (motor – visual) • Navigation

  10. Pre-Assessment Preparation • Questions at Initial Contact • Preservice Questionnaire • Information that can be obtained prior to assessment session • Pre Evaluation Questionnaires • Obtaining previous reports, evaluations and supplemental information • Communication Questionnaire • Case History

  11. Symbol Usage • Objects • Cut out photos (COPPS) • Photographs • Realistic pictures • Abstract pictures • Visual scenes • Semantic Compaction (Minspeak) • Alphabet/Spelling

  12. Symbol organization Cognitive & sensory-perceptual considerations • Size • No. per page • Single overlay • Navigation abilities

  13. Message Formulation • Single message • Phrases/sentences • Spelling • Grammatical forms • Rate enhancement (word, phrase, letter) • Premade applications (Gateway, SDPro WordPower, Unity, demo vocabulary, etc.)

  14. Summary of evaluation session • Attempt to talk with all participants at the end of each evaluation session • Provide written summary at the conclusion of each session • Means of sharing information that helps everyone to understand what was done • Way to communicate what will happen next • Method of recording information to use for report writing • Evaluation Consult Summary

  15. Evaluation Notes • Form to provide consistent means of recording information during the evaluation session • Use of form helps to promote an organized method for keeping work records • Mechanism to measure progress • Summary of Observations • Evaluation Notes Form

  16. III. Knowledge about device/systems • Type of device (digitized, dynamic display, text-to-speech/keyboard, integrated) • Access method • Symbols used • Rate enhancers • Accessories required • Medicare version required • Cost • Size / weight • Etc.

  17. Website

  18. Dynamic Display • See website

  19. Integrated Systems • See website

  20. Text-to-Speech

  21. Digitized Devices / Static Display • See website

  22. Decision-Making & Supporting Documentation Device Review Analyzing Criteria Comparison Chart www.aacTechConnect.com

  23. Device Feature Match

  24. Trialing equipment • Vendors – local resources • Manufacturers • Loan equipment • Rental options • ASHA – list of questions to ask manufacturers

  25. Split screen

  26. Funding • 3rd party medical funding (Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance) • Medicaid Available • Educational • Vocational • Independent living • Private pay or donations • Funding form & • Questions to ask insurance funding

  27. V. Knowledge about best practices • Evidence-based practice refers to an approach in which current, high-quality research evidence is integrated with practitioner expertise and client preferences and values into the process of making clinical decisions. • Web list • To download handouts, go to www.aacTechConnect.com go to EVENTS click on Closing the Gap 2006

  28. Workshops • AAC Evaluation Workshop (1 day seminar providing effective strategies and resources for doing comprehensive AAC Evaluations). • Make n Take • Vendors & local resources to be included in day 2 • For information on “hosting” this event, contact debby@aacTechConnect.com or 1.866.4U.AAC.RX • Come to booth #538 for more information

  29. Thank you for your interest in A Simplified Process for AAC Assessment: Decision-Making and Device Selection

  30. Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP 866.4U.AAC.RXdebby@aacTechConnect.com www.aacTechConnect.com866.4U.AAC.RX ( 866.482.2279) Elizabeth (Libby) Rush, MA, CCC-SLP Independent AAC/AT Consultant 424 Bywood Drive Durham, NC 27712 libbyrush@aol.com 919-471-2819

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