Feasibility Testing of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment Protocol

Mentor 1

Shelley Lund

Start Date

10-5-2022 10:00 AM

Description

Individuals who have complex communication needs (CCN) have limited expressive communication and often benefit from the availability of AAC systems. AAC systems are communication devices, strategies, and tools that replace or support an individual’s speech. However, a comprehensive assessment is needed to determine the appropriate AAC system for an individual. These assessments are a lengthy process that requires an abundant amount of information to be completed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and an interdisciplinary team. There are many factors that contribute to the challenge of completing these assessments. AAC assessments pose a challenge for SLPs to complete with accuracy and confidence due to limited practice guidelines and a lack of research in this area. The AAC Clinical Assessment Project Team (AAC-CAP) developed a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment protocol for SLPs to evaluate individuals with ALS for AAC systems. For this study, 3 SLP specialists in AAC used the protocol during an evaluation with a patient with ALS. This protocol is designed to assist in the decision-making process of recommending the AAC system or strategy most beneficial for client communication. After using the protocol, the participants completed a survey. They evaluated the usefulness and clarity of each section of the protocol using a Likert-type rating scale and responding to open-ended questions. Preliminary data analysis indicates that the protocol was rated positively. Quantitative and qualitative data will be presented with suggestions for modifying the protocol.

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May 10th, 10:00 AM

Feasibility Testing of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment Protocol

Individuals who have complex communication needs (CCN) have limited expressive communication and often benefit from the availability of AAC systems. AAC systems are communication devices, strategies, and tools that replace or support an individual’s speech. However, a comprehensive assessment is needed to determine the appropriate AAC system for an individual. These assessments are a lengthy process that requires an abundant amount of information to be completed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and an interdisciplinary team. There are many factors that contribute to the challenge of completing these assessments. AAC assessments pose a challenge for SLPs to complete with accuracy and confidence due to limited practice guidelines and a lack of research in this area. The AAC Clinical Assessment Project Team (AAC-CAP) developed a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment protocol for SLPs to evaluate individuals with ALS for AAC systems. For this study, 3 SLP specialists in AAC used the protocol during an evaluation with a patient with ALS. This protocol is designed to assist in the decision-making process of recommending the AAC system or strategy most beneficial for client communication. After using the protocol, the participants completed a survey. They evaluated the usefulness and clarity of each section of the protocol using a Likert-type rating scale and responding to open-ended questions. Preliminary data analysis indicates that the protocol was rated positively. Quantitative and qualitative data will be presented with suggestions for modifying the protocol.