Bringing Us Together / Ce qui nous rassemble

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Jeremy Bryan
5 years ago
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1 Submission for ISAAC 2016 Bringing Us Together / Ce qui nous rassemble Long Abstract Title: Breathing new life into communication: Making an old book new again Authors: Roslyn Irvine, S-LP; Malerie Beach, CDA; Jason Nicholls and Paul Meyers, AAC users; Eva Miodonski, Consumer Resources Facilitator Presenting Author(s): Roslyn Irvine and Malerie Beach (West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada) The authors disclose they have no financial or other interest in objects or entities mentioned in this paper Learning Goals: Participants will: 1) Learn how to adapt existing communication books using the principles of PODD design 2) Consider the opportunities and challenges of facilitating aided language modelling in adult s home environments 3) Hear the experiences of adults with complex communication needs whose communication has grown as a result of their new communication books Background In our AAC Clinic in Toronto, Canada, we see adults with complex communication needs who have used a range of no-tech and low-tech communication techniques for many years, including body language, yes/no responses and communication books. They and their communication partners however, have stopped using the communication books because they think they are not needed, they are too slow to use, or they don t have the right words in them. This has led to a situation in which communication with familiar partners is generally successful but limited to communicating about concrete needs, simply responding to choice and yes/no questions posed by others. The individual is unable to engage in a meaningful way with unfamiliar partners to forge new relationships, to have autonomy to express thoughts and opinions and to have control over their life. This session will focus on our experience with two individuals who, after decades of no growth or change in their use of AAC, were able and open to embrace the new design. Challenges with the existing communication books The clients multi-level communication books were primarily organized according to categories with some additional topic pages. One individual used Bliss Symbols and one PCS symbols to represent vocabulary. Both AAC users acknowledged that they had forgotten the meaning of much of their vocabulary through lack of use. There had been attempts to include core vocabulary but use had largely been abandoned over time. Both individuals relied on partner assisted scanning and typically communicated by selecting a word or two and then relied on the communication partner to ask a series of clarifying questions which would gradually hone in on their message. This process was slow and laborious and often unsuccessful, creating frustration for both parties. Over time these books were largely abandoned in favour of quick communication via body language and yes/no responses.

2 Design of the New communication books: Submission for ISAAC 2016 Bringing Us Together / Ce qui nous rassemble Using the principles of PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display) design, the individuals were able to use established knowledge of their vocabulary layout, with several features integrated to enable more successful, efficient and autonomous communication, as follows: Pragmatic branch starters allowed the AAC user to communicate the intent of their message. This, combined with other available information (e.g. the individual s body language, environmental/contextual cues, shared knowledge of events) allowed their partner to begin more accurate co-construction of the individual s message. Tense Clues allowed the partner to understand if the message concerned a past, present or future issue or event. Partner powered level changes such as the use of predictive links, numbered and coloured tabs, and operational commands (e.g. turn the page, go back to., it s not in my book), enabled the AAC user to control navigation during partner assisted scanning with less physical and cognitive effort, and their partner was more actively involved in the communication exchange Training and Implementation: Successful use of the new communication book was dependent on training and support of the individuals using AAC and their partners. Although both individuals were familiar with much of the vocabulary in their books, they needed to re-learn some vocabulary, practice producing longer messages that more accurately expressed their intent, and learn how to use the new features of their books. Aided language modelling was an essential technique in achieving more fluent use of the book by AAC users and partners. Through this process, new content was added and the individuals potential to continue adding and growing their communication was awakened. This session will share details of the training techniques we used and discuss successes and challenges. Client experience and feedback will be shared regarding the changes in their communication and new opportunities that arose as a result. Contact Information: Roslyn Irvine, Roslyn.irvine@westpark.org Phone: X 4676; West Park Healthcare Centre 82 Buttonwood Ave, Toronto, On M6M 2J5

Example of individual with Moderate Receptive Aphasia, Severe Expressive Aphasia and Moderate Apraxia of Speech

Example of individual with Moderate Receptive Aphasia, Severe Expressive Aphasia and Moderate Apraxia of Speech Facility Name Department of Speech-Language Pathology Facility Address and Phone Numbers