Aphasia Brochure by DynaVox Mayer-Johnson

WHAT WE DO

At DynaVox mayer-johnson, we work to strengthen the communication ability of adults diagnosed with aphasia. The tools and support we provide foster social interaction and improve a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to communicate by enhancing their understanding and use of language.

We support adults with aphasia by providing the tools that address several key areas of need:

Rebuilding

Communication and Language

connections TO THE WORLD

Support

for Social Interactions

DynaVox is the leading provider of communication solutions and language tools designed to help people with communication and language restoration needs. These tools can help adults who are diagnosed with aphasia communicate with their families at home and with people in their community. going Beyond communication, our tools help individuals gain independence and facilitate a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connection to the world.

APHASIA and Communication

APHASIA

For many adults diagnosed with aphasia, rebuilding language and communicating what they want to say can be challenging. Aphasia can dramatically affect family members, caregivers, co-workers and health care professionals by making communication difficult.

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

Communication is the process by which one person gives information to or receives information from another person. It is through communication that adults express their thoughts and ideas, build new skills and begin and maintain relationships with others. Communication can be spoken, but it can also take on other forms such as sign language, writing or using a common set of symbols (e.g., photos, drawings). Communication can also be in the form of facial expressions, behavior, body language or through the use of a communication device. communication is

sign language

communication is

writing

WHAT IS SELF EXPRESSION?

Communication is also about expressing who you really are as a person. It’s about expressing your individuality and having the ability to show people your unique personality, beliefs, feelings and ideas. Expression is a creative act that gives each of us a voice—defines our unique self to those around us. TRUE EXPRESSION requires the right tools at the right time in order to be successful.

An individual may have difficulty communicating due to a misunderstanding of what is being said to them, or they may not understand their own speech. In other cases, an individual with aphasia may understand what is being said to them, but have difficulty communicating a response. Depending on what areas of the brain have been affected, some deficits may include: • Difficulty in understanding what is being said • Difficulty in speaking words • Difficulty writing, spelling or creating cohesive sentences

communication is

“When people see me struggling to speak, they think I am not intelligent. I am. I just have difficulty finding the right word to say.” communication is

a device

communication is

talking

Belinda S.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

finding a solution

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can include any strategy used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. Examples of AAC strategies include: • writing • sign language • picture communication boards • communication devices Many AAC strategies use picture symbols, letters, words and phrases to represent the messages needed to talk about objects, people and places. Adults with communication challenges use AAC to supplement their existing speech or replace speech that is not functional.

AAC FOR REAL-LIFE INTERACTION

AAC can be used all day long in any environment where communication is difficult. AAC not only helps an individual to communicate their messages, but also gives them visual information that can increase understanding of the situation. For example, showing an adult a communication page with pictures of health-related communication items might help them better prepare for their next doctor’s appointment, and allow them to actively participate during the appointment (e.g., communicate by choosing a part of the body that is causing discomfort or pain.). While the adult may have multiple ways to communicate their needs and wants, having access to an AAC device will allow them to expand their thoughts and support their search for the words that they want to say.

WHO CAN USE AAC?

AAC devices have opened the pathway to communication for individuals, allowing them to lead productive lives and to participate more fully in life. Any adult who needs assistance understanding language and communicating what they want to say can be helped by the use of an AAC device.

APHASIA

May need support when speaking complete sentences.

With AAC devices, adults can: • Rebuild expressive and receptive language skills. • Find more opportunities to participate in conversations. • Actively engage in the communication process. • Communicate more complex concepts than their existing skills allow.

Beyond communication

A powerful AAC solution can also assist those who may need support in areas beyond communication. Keeping track of appointments, operating a television and turning on lights and appliances are just a few needs, beyond spoken communication, that a person may need to lead a more independent life. May have difficulty

AAC Devices CAN... SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING COMPLETE THOUGHTS BY PROVIDING COMPLETE SENTENCES AND PHRASES.

May have difficulty managing tasks and remembering appointments.

communicating the right word.

AAC Devices CAN... Help people complete daily tasks and remember

AAC Devices CAN...

important items like doctor appointments and

Assist people with aphasia by providing words

medication times.

on topics (e.g., weather) when they have trouble speaking the word that they want to say.

why should AAC be used BY ADULTS WITH APHASIA?

to enhance communication

The primary reason for adults to use communication devices is to enhance their communication, not to replace or inhibit their existing skills. Most communication device users continue to use their existing communication skills (e.g., verbalizations, facial expressions, gestures, etc.) in addition to using their device. AAC devices benefit adults with aphasia because they can help them express themselves, participate more fully in social settings, practice and improve speech and language skills and communicate important information accurately, like their health and emotional status to others.

TO SUPPORT THE RE-LEARNING OF LANGUAGE AND TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS

While there are many choices available regarding AAC devices, it is important to consider all of the things that make an AAC device appropriate for an adult with aphasia.

FOR ADULTS WITH APHASIA, AN AAC DEVICE SHOULD: ✓✓ Assist them in communicating the words that they want to say. ✓✓ Support their understanding of language. ✓✓ Provide language support in social settings. ✓✓ Keep track of tasks and important events. ✓✓ Provide tools to control their environment (e.g., remote control, phone, appliances).

Bryan uses the MAESTRO to communicate successfully his wants and needs.

Bryan has been diagnosed with aphasia. He is an avid fisherman and loves to tell you about the one that got away. He was challenged when communicating to the world what he wants to say. Often, Bryan would become frustrated, as he knew the correct word that he wanted to communicate, but needed support finding that word. Bryan’s wife and family members often supported his communication by guessing what he wanted to say, or finishing sentences for him, but often the words chosen for him were not what he wanted to communicate. With the Maestro, Bryan can quickly locate what he wants to communicate. He is presented with words that help him to complete his sentence. In this example, he uses his Maestro to communicate that he wants a glass of water. The support that the Maestro provides has decreased frustration for both Bryan and his family members. What a relief!

20 Location, drinks

APHASIA

What solutions are available to help improve the lives of people with aphasia?

Communication devices such as the Maestro, Xpress and DynaWrite 2.0 are designed to support the needs of people with aphasia. DynaVox has combined research with powerful technology to create the most complete language system available on AAC devices today, InterAACt. It is the exclusive language framework used on all DynaVox products, and can be used to encourage language and literacy development, social interaction and participation at home, work and community settings.

A little bit about our devices

Mary uses her xpress to communicate at the pharmacy.

Maestro: • Sleek and lightweight, weighing only 2.75 pounds (slim battery), the Maestro can be easily carried throughout the day. • The built-in camera allows you to add your own pictures to communication pages and buttons to support access to vocabulary.

Mary is an active woman — no stopping her. Once a month she stops by her pharmacy to pick up her prescription. With the Xpress, she can easily talk with her pharmacist and get her meds. Talk Topics give Mary specific words and phrases that she needs to communicate accurate information about her prescription. The Xpress allows Mary to be independent; the device supports her communication needs in any environment.

• The extended battery option weighs only 3.4 pounds and offers 9.5 hours of use. The Maestro lasts all day when you are out and about. • Clear and large touchscreen can easily be seen outside. Xpress: • Hand-held, fully featured AAC device.

pharmacy

talk topics, pharmacy

• Weighs only 1.07 pounds (standard battery). • Showcase your photos with 8GB of flash memory. DynaWrite 2.0: • Easy to use with type and talk technology. • Full-sized keyboard and, if needed, on-screen scanning options. • Powerful word prediction makes communication quick and easily. 7

the power of interaact

Language is the foundation of communication and expression. In order to be truly useful and meaningful, language must have a framework and structure. This is important to those adults who need to rebuild skills and re-learn language. A powerful AAC language framework must be more than a list of objects or a selection of communication boards that an adult has to hunt through to find the words that they want to say. A true language framework must provide the words needed in a straightforward and logical manner. It is because of this principle that DynaVox created the InterAACt language framework.

Efficient and precise

Say it quickly and say it in your own words. InterAACt provides the words and messages adults need in order to keep up with conversations with others. Word Lists assist people who need vocabulary support to communicate the word that they want to say. My Phrases help by providing correct word order and by building expressive language skills. A keyboard allows a person to spell the word they need and communicate quickly and accurately.

Real-life communication

Individuals can communicate right away in any situation.

Xpress Word Lists

Keyboard with Word Prediction Working from home

familiar and natural Playing Cards

Flexible

InterACCt presents language in a familiar format using real words for everyday environments. Adults can use their own pictures to support their communication needs.

Communication needs are met both now and later. With InterAACt, individuals can practice their use of language every day. As they regain their language skills, their device will grow with them.

Going for a drive or need something from the Car?

food, 20 locations

Use your own photos to communicate your experiences. food, 40 locations

APHASIA

communication ability levels

InterAACt meets the needs of adults with aphasia by providing the messages needed to say what they want, how they want and when they want! InterAACt will also support language and literacy growth, and strives to provide the appropriate vocabulary needed for successful interaction for adults with different abilities, including adults who are:

Emergent An Emergent Communicator: • Benefits from the support of communication partners (e.g., family members, co-workers, health care professionals, etc.). • Is re-building language skills and can benefit from the use of symbols (e.g., desk, refrigerator, etc.). • Communicates best in familiar or motivating activities.

Context-Dependent A Context-Dependent Communicator:

Larry

Uses his Maestro to communicate

Larry is strong-willed, intelligent and quick-witted. He wants to tell his doctor about the medication he has been taking. He uses his Maestro with the help of his partner to speak about his concerns. He and his partner prepare questions in advance and use the emergent Medical Page to support his vocabulary needs during his visit.

• Uses symbols spontaneously to communicate basic needs and wants, and is starting to re-establish their understanding of more abstract symbols (e.g., frustrated, happy, etc.). • Is beginning to combine two or more symbols to express more unique ideas. • Is using AAC to regain basic literacy skills like proper word order (e.g., correct phrases, complete sentences).

Independent An Independent Communicator: • Has literacy skills that align with peers. • Is able to talk about a broad range of appropriate topics in flexible ways. • Combines single words, spelling, phrases and complete sentences to create routine and unique messages.

beatrice

Is now creating simple sentences on her Xpress to communicate her wants, needs and ideas.

Beatrice is attending a baseball game with her family. She is getting ready to hit the concession stand. Hot dogs, nachos and ice cream are all on her mind. She uses her Xpress to communicate that she is hungry and, with support from her family, she gets her snacks before the next inning.

To learn more about InterAACt or to download the InterAACt framework guide and review a complete list of characteristics, go to www.dynavoxtech.com/interaact.

rebuilding COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE Adults with aphasia may begin at the emergent level of communication, and as they rebuild and develop new communication and language skills they can easily transition to the next level. The tools and communication pages needed to support literacy and language are always available within InterAACt. Each InterAACt page set builds upon previous experiences to support higher-level language growth and communication skills where the potential exists.

INTERAaCT IN ACTION

Practice Speaking Words: By using Word Families in Teaching

Tools, a person with aphasia can practice language and vocabulary building activities. Word families can be used to hear what the device is speaking and help the person emulate what is being said, providing practice to improve unintelligible speech. These pages are easy to use and can be linked to any of our emergent or context-dependent adult pages.

Practice Vocabulary Building: A person with aphasia learns

vocabulary and uses images to communicate what they want.

Word Families

INTERAaCT IN ACTION

Practice Writing: Writing templates help to build sentence skills

and aid in practicing verbal communication.

As vocabulary skills improve with practice, InterAACt offers more choices.

Writing Templates

INTERAACT AND CONNECTIONS TO THE WORLD CONTROL YOUR ENVIRONMENT

DynaVox has built in remote control capabilities for common appliances into our AAC devices. Some individuals may have difficulty using a regular tv remote due to motor issues caused by a stroke or brain injury. DynaVox and InterAACt offer a solution.

APHASIA

Now he can turn on the TV and choose a favorite channel. InterAACt provides the control that John needs at his level of ability. By providing familiar settings, remote control capabilities and easy access to relevant vocabulary, DynaVoxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s InterAACt framework makes what was once difficult -- easy!

For adults, it is all about independence and regaining control after a stroke or event that has caused aphasia. Reconnecting to the world is an important part of growth, here is how InterAACt helps: John is an Emergent communicator. He has difficulty using the

tiny buttons on his remote control. John uses a digital image of a bedroom to turn on his TV.

John presses the image of the TV...

support for SOCIAL INTERACTIONs SUPpORTING SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

Communicating during social situations may be challenging for people with aphasia. An individual with expressive aphasia may have difficulty creating a complete sentence when ordering what they want to eat at a restaurant. Another person, one with receptive aphasia, may not understand what the server is telling them about today’s specials. DynaVox communication devices offer access to vocabulary words, phrases and sentences to support those with expressive aphasia. InterAACt can provide the correct vocabulary words to help people build complete sentences. Further, with words and pictures available for display, the partner of the person with receptive aphasia can use the device to supplement their speech, making them easier to understand and keeping them in the conversation. By providing topic pages for adult social settings, tools for using pictures and images, DynaVox communication devices can aid in the understanding of language for the person using the device and the listener.

Quickfires provide access to messages that can be used to sup-

port a conversation (e.g., Yeah!), make a comment (e.g., I don’t know.) or make a request (e.g., Wait!). These quick messages are available from any page in the system because they can be used in any situation. • Olivia uses Quickfires by pressing “talk” on her shopping page, she can instantly answer questions and communicate a misunderstanding to the person at the checkout counter.

real-life examples of communication in the community

Topic Pages support those with aphasia in social settings by pro-

viding an image of the context, like shopping.

• Olivia has receptive language difficulties. She uses her device at the grocery store to pick out her veggies and check off her grocery list.

Grocery List 99 Carrots 99 Celery 99 Cucumber 99 Lettuce 99 Tomatoes

Digital Photographs can be imported into the device to support

conversations about an event or topic. With digital photographs, adults with aphasia can use the image to assist them in communicating what they want to say. By using the built-in camera on the Maestro, Olivia takes a picture of her kitchen and adds it to her photo page. Now she can prepare her meal after her trip to the grocery store and communicate what she needs out of the fridge.

support for SOCIAL INTERACTIONs

APHASIA

SUPpORTING SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

Thomas is excited to join his buddies for a weekend of camping. His Maestro is rugged and ready for the outdoors with its magnesium case and bright screen display which can be seen in daylight. He brings his 12 volt car charger for the trip. This accessory, combined with his Maestro’s 9.5 hour battery life, (extended battery), provides communication support all weekend.

At the campsite, Thomas is ready to enjoy nature. InterAACt provides the communication support that he needs to get his s’mores done medium rare, just the way he likes them.

Thomas needs language support for his expressive language challenges. He can communicate, but needs assistance speaking some words correctly to get his point across to others. InterAACt is there for him, providing the communication items he needs to keep his conversations with his buddies going.

real-life examples of conversation support

While in the car, Thomas can communicate to the driver his ideas and concerns while he reaches is destination.

When the campfire conversation turns to sports, Thomas is ready to tell his friends what he thinks about his favorite team. InterAACt’s precision elements, like the keyboard Thomas uses, allow him and his friends to find the right words so he can tell them how he REALLY FEELS about a call last Sunday.

COMMON QUESTIONS about using aac devices with people with aphasia

Can a speech device impede an individual’s natural ability to speak?

I already have some speech ability, is that enough?

No. Researchers documented the advantages of simultaneous use of AAC and natural speech for individuals with aphasia. (Wallace, & Weissling, 2010). With AAC, adults are engaged in the process of learning as they receive visual and auditory feedback and reinforcement from the device. Voice output has been found to have a positive impact on literacy skills, question response, comment sharing, object labeling and requesting (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2005).

Maybe not. Even with limited speech abilities, you can still benefit from a speech-generating device to more clearly communicate messages when speech can be difficult to understand.

Do I have to pay cash for an AAC device? No. In most states, devices are paid for by one of several funding sources. These sources include Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Since funding varies in each state, DynaVox can help you with the funding process by assigning a funding specialist who is knowledgeable about your state’s specific funding requirements. Your funding specialist will assist you in preparing and submitting the required paperwork to acquire an AAC device.

My wife has a hard time using her hands. Can she still use a device? Yes. Many access methods exist, including joystick control, head tracking, and multiple types of switches which can be used with AAC devices.

Am I giving up on speech if I choose an AAC device? No. If you, or someone you know, has speech and language skills that are not returning as hoped or has a condition making normal speech development unlikely, then you might be a candidate for AAC. Please note that introducing AAC DOES NOT mean that you are giving up on speech. Remember, the goal of AAC is to enhance communication, not to replace or inhibit the existing communication skills. For more information on typical speech and language development, please visit www.asha.org/public/speech/development/.

Does someone on the care team have to be a technology expert to be successful with an AAC device? No. DynaVox has a team of dedicated professionals to help you every step of the way. Our commitment to an individual’s success with our devices goes far beyond hardware and software. It includes support that begins with our dedicated sales consultants and includes expert technical support representatives, knowledgeable funding specialists and no-cost device training and implementation assistance. Collaboration is the key to communication success.

APHASIA

Our Commitment our commitment to adults with aphasia and their families

We are committed to helping individuals with aphasia make meaningful connections with the world around them by providing them the tools they need to support their endeavor. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson offers a network of professionals who are experts in the field of AAC rehabilitation. And we will support you through the entire AAC process, from assessment to implementation. At Dynavox, we offer:

Visit Us Online

Our website is designed to help guide you through your search for communication solutions. Visit www.dynavoxtech.com to learn more about our products, resources and services.

• A technical support team (phone or online) to answer your questions. •

A team of funding specialists who are familiar with your state to help you navigate the funding process.

•

A local consultant to provide hands-on demonstrations and ensure that the SLP has the equipment necessary to complete an AAC evaluation.

• Many local and online training opportunities and implementation resources. • Simple and easy to use lesson plans and training materials.

Our Commitment to SLPs and Other Professionals

Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools you need to support these individuals with aphasia on your caseloads. We recognize that you must make the most of every hour dedicated to the important work you do. We want to help you work as efficiently as possible so that you can spend more time supporting the communication skills development of the adults with whom you work. Together, we share the same mission - supporting your clients in their quest to lead full, satisfying lives. DynaVox provides the following resources: • Funding specialists to help streamline the assessment and funding process. • Local consultants to provide hands-on demonstrations and offer support during evaluations. • Evaluation equipment to complete the AAC assessments. • Local and online trainings. • Implementation resources in the form of therapy lesson plans, instructional videos, data collection forms and planning worksheets.

DynaVox can help you with the funding process by assigning a funding specialist who is knowledgeable about your state’s specific funding requirements.

1-866-DYNAVOX, ext. 3

APHASIA

The University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Additional Resources:

Using AAC with People with Aphasia www.unl.edu/aphasia/ AAC.html

The National Institu te of Neurological Disorders and Stro ke

tional The Na Aphasia tion Associa

/ asia.org h p .a w ww ts/ %20Fac ia s a h p A ml _faq.ht aphasia

www.ninds.nih.gov / disorders/aphasia / aphasia.htm

References: Beukelman, D & Mirenda. P. (2005). Augmentative and alternative communication: Support for children and adults with complex communication needs. Baltimore MD: Paul Brookes Publishing Co.

Weissling, K. & Prentice, C. (2010) The Timing of Remediation and Compensation Rehabilitation Programs for Individuals With Acquired Brian Injuries: Opening The Conversation. Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication: The American Speech and Hearing Association Division 12

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