Our clients include:
Josh, a 7 year old boy with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Although he is non-speaking, he can communicate limited basic needs using some gestures.
Solutions: We are teaching a variety of communication strategies to Josh, his family, and his school staff. The strategies include: sign language, a picture-symbol communication book, and use of a hand-held speech generating device. We are working closely with Josh’s teachers to provide them with the necessary resources to integrate these AAC strategies into the classroom setting. Josh is also being taught how to use literacy and leisure-time software on his classroom and home computers.
Madison, an 12 year old girl with cerebral palsy. She is non-speaking and unable to move any part of her body without creating severe spasms. She communicates primarily by facial expressions, eye-gaze, and some vocalizations.
Solutions: We are teaching multiple communication strategies to Madison, her family, and school staff. The strategies include eye-gaze topic boards and a eye-blink operated switch that controls a computer-based speech generating device. Madison can also use this device to access and control appliances, such as her VCR, DVD, and television.
Jana, a 13 year old girl who sustained a head injury from a recent car accident. As a result of the accident, she suffers from a motor-speech impairment that renders her speech unintelligible. She is ready to return to school, but does not have an effective means of communication.
Solutions: Jana uses a lightweight, portable, computerized speech generating device in school, in the community, and while using the telephone. We also created a small alphabet and phrase board for Jana as a “backup” system for times when her speech generating is unavailable or inaccessible.
Maggie, a 30 year old woman with cerebral palsy and developmental delay. She is unable to speak, read, or write. She uses a power wheelchair for mobility. She wants to effectively communicate with her family and friends, use the telephone, and attend classes at a community college.
Solutions: We developed a picture-symbol communication book for use with family and friends. We also attached a computerized speech generating device, activated by a touch screen, to her wheelchair, and customized graphic-based communication software to meet Maggie’s needs. This computerized system is serving as both a communication device and as a personal computer.
Edward, a 55 year old man, who has aphasia (language impairment) due to a stroke. Although he understands what is being said to him, he cannot speak, read, or write. He needs to be able to effectively express himself to his wife and children, and to use e-mail to communicate with other family members.
Solutions: Because Edward is unable to read text, we created a communication book using picture-symbols. Edward points to picture-symbols in the book to indicate what he wants to communicate. He is also learning how to use specialized software for people with aphasia. The software provides him with linguistic support enabling him to produce short phrases. He is now able to write short notes and use e-mail.