Improving Therapy Outcomes with Computers: More Bang for the Buck ASHA 2000 November 17, 2000 Terri Nichols, MS, CCC-SLP Candace Gordon, MA, CCC-SLP Jill Brown, MS, CCC-SLP

APHASIA TREATMENT

Benefits of computerized treatment for aphasia Builds self-esteem Allows independent practice with objective feedback Conserves health insurance benefits Allows unlimited drill on specific levels Provides simultaneous multi-sensory input

Benefits of computerized treatment for aphasia (cont’d) Compensates for physical deficits Maintains therapeutic gains after therapy ends Allows a functional look at sequencing skills Allows efficient use of professional time

Benefits of computerized treatment for aphasia (cont’d) Allows utilization of less-skilled personnel Technology use can be an excellent functional goal

Differentiating goals: face-to-face, or computer- based?

Goals and activities best served face-to-face Developing compensatory strategies: gestures, drawing, description Demonstrating interaction strategies for caregivers and significant others Apraxia drills which utilize tactile cues Eliciting discourse, verbal or written Facilitating group interactions

Goals and activities best served face-to-face (cont’d) Building compensatory strategies for communicating in noise and distraction Pragmatic skills: eye contact, functional comprehension, communication efficiency, humor

Goals and activities more efficiently served by computer- based activities Reading comprehension Written naming Sound discrimination Matching activities Fill-in-the-blank or cloze activities Multiple choice

Goals well served by a combination of face-to-face and computer-based activities Self-monitoring of errors Following directions Writing (there’s not always direct carryover from typing words to writing words; but be sure to collaborate with OT if there’s not!)

Case examples and software demonstrations: how a client can progress with the right software, and the right “consultant”

Writing: from single letter matching to written naming Aphasia Tutor 1: Progression of levels Cueing hierarchy

Reading: from picture/word matching to recreational reading Aphasia Tutor 1 Aphasia Tutor 2 Aphasia Tutor 3 & 4

Speaking: learning to recognize and self-correct errors Aphasia Tutor 0: Sights and Sounds Speech Sounds on Cue

Comprehending: following directions Direction Following Plus Verbal options Written options Memory options

Choosing software Flexibility Volume of stimuli Customer service and support Intervention strategies: how does the software help promote success? Cost