Cerebral Palsy Brochure by DynaVox Mayer-Johnson

COMMUNICATION

SOLUTIONS

FOR PEOPLE WITH

CEREBRAL PALSY

DynaVox is the leading provider of communication solutions and educational tools designed to help children, teens and adults with complex communication needs and learning disabilities. These tools can help individuals with cerebral palsy communicate at school, work, at home and in the community.

Our Goal Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) may face challenges in performing day to day tasks; however, it does not stop them from living their life to the fullest. At DynaVox, we strive to improve communication and expression for individuals with cerebral palsy by providing them with the tools to speak their minds and reach their fullest potential.

learning

SOCIAL SKILLS

and communication

DEVELOPMENT

access

employment

to the world

tools

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cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy and Communication What is communication?

What is self expression?

Communication is the process by which one person gives information to or receives information from another person. It is through communication that we express our thoughts and ideas, learn new things and build 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.1 Communication can also be in the form of facial expressions, behavior, body language, or through the use of a communication device.

Communication is 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 and defines our unique self to those around us.

communication is

sign language

writing

True expression requires the right tools at the right time in order to be successful.

For many individuals with cerebral palsy, self-expression and social connections with others may sometimes be challenging for both the individual and their communication partners. They may experience: •

Difficulty coordinating muscle movements needed for speech.

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Difficulty expressing needs and wants.

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Difficulty writing, or creating cohesive sentences.

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Social problems, stemming from difficulty communicating.

Although challenges will vary from person to person, with the appropriate supports, self-expression and reaching one’s fullest potential is possible for all individuals with cerebral palsy.

communication is

“The Only Way to Discover the Limits of the Possible is to Go Beyond Them Into the Impossible.” Arthur C Clarke

communication is

a device

talking 1

Beukelman and Mirenda, 2005

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and who can use it? Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can include any strategy used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. Examples of AAC strategies might include: •

Sign Language (unaided)

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Picture Communication Boards (aided)

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Communication Devices (aided)

Many AAC strategies use picture symbols, letters, words and phrases to represent the message needed to talk about objects, people and places. Children and adults with communication challenges can use AAC to supplement their existing speech or replace speech that is not functional.

AAC for real-life interaction AAC strategies also use “real-life” visual supports that make an AAC device easier to use. For example, showing someone a communication page with clothing items on it might help them better understand the process of getting dressed and allow them to actively participate in the activity. While an individual may have multiple ways to communicate their needs and wants, having access to an AAC system will allow them to expand their thoughts and learn new words along the way.

Who can use AAC? Any child, teen or adult who is nonverbal, or has limited speech can benefit from the use of AAC. Although individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy may have some speech ability, sometimes it may still be difficult to understand.

AAC can assist individuals with cerebral palsy to communicate and express themselves more effectively by enabling them to: •

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Actively engage others in the communication process.

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Communicate to their greatest potential.

•

Use appropriate means and finding more opportunities to communicate.

Gain skills necessary to pursue education opportunities as well as ideal employment situations.

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The use of alternative “selection” or “access” methods may also be required

Individuals with CP Have a wide range of intellectual abilities.

Most people think about what they are going to say and not how they are going to say it. Many times, individuals with cerebral palsy need an alternative selection method to access their AAC device. Some individuals may have difficulty coordinating their movements, and an alternative selection or access method will be chosen to help them realize the full benefits of AAC.

EyeMax

Headmouse

AAC Devices Can... Support language and literacy growth and provide the appropriate vocabulary needed for communicators of all ages and abilities.

Individuals with CP Have similar goals and dreams, as their peers.

Direct Selection

Switch

AAC Devices Can... Manage a large amount of environments and activities to support communication in the home, at work, school and in the community.

With all of this in mind, it is never too early or too late to implement AAC. Communication devices can give a voice to individuals with cerebral palsy and provide them with the tools they need to communicate with the world around them.

Individuals with CP Can attain a substantial degree of independence.

AAC Devices Can... Provide tools such as visual schedules and calendars to help individuals with CP organize their lives, including sequencing and timing of events.

Why Should AAC Be Used By an Individual Who Has Cerebral Palsy? To enhance communication The primary goal of using AAC strategies is to enhance communication, not to replace or inhibit the existing communication skills of the individual. AAC users continue to use their existing communication skills (e.g. verbalizations, facial expressions, gestures, etc.) in addition to an AAC device. AAC devices should be made available to help individuals with cerebral palsy express themselves, increase social interaction with others, support academic and/or work performance and enhance feelings of self-worth. AAC intervention strives to determine the communication, and social needs of the individual, identify the individual’s strengths and match those strengths to possible AAC solutions.

To support learning and participation While there are many choices available regarding AAC devices, it is important to consider all of the things that make an AAC system appropriate for an individual with cerebral palsy.

For individuals with CP, an AAC device should: Enhance communication, interaction and expression while addressing motor challenges. Increase social skills development, along with participation in the classroom, workplace, community and home. Provide meaningful messages to the communication partner (e.g., parent, sibling, teacher, coworker, etc.). Support the individual’s age and communication ability level.

Born with cerebral palsy, Rick refuses to let this limit him in any way. “More than thirty years ago, my parents would take me on monthly visits to an United Cerebral Palsy skilled-care residential center. Many of the residents there, like me, were not able talk. We all knew that we were intelligent, but we were just unable to verbally express ourselves. We couldn’t even crack a joke! For hours, I felt like we just sat in a room, trying not to stare at each other. At first, it was strange to use my DynaVox AAC device to communicate with my friends. But today, as a result of being a successful AAC device user, I am a writer, artist and ordained minister and would feel absolutely lost without AAC. The ability to communicate is powerful. I don’t know how I managed my life so many years without my DynaVox.”

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solutions What solutions are available to help improve communication skills? Communication devices such as the DynaVox Maestro, Vmax+, Tango and M3 are designed to meet the broad range of needs for individuals with cerebral palsy. 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 in school, at home, at work and in community settings.

A little bit about our devices

Maestro: •

•

The Maestro is sleek and lightweight, weighing only 2.75 pounds with an optional slim battery, providing you with an on the go device. The built-in camera allows you to take your own pictures to create photo albums and stories. The extended battery option offers 9.5 hours of use (3.44 pound version) for all day school or work use. The clear and large touchscreen can easily be seen inside and outside for easy communication when out and about. The Maestro is built tough with a magnesium case, spill-resistant screen and port protectors for maximum protection. Connect and communicate with the blink of an eye when you combine the Maestro with the EyeMax eye tracking accessory.

M3: •

A great start for those just starting on their communication journey, it supports communication at home, school and work, and in the community.

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Photos can be imported onto buttons or backgrounds to provide concrete representations of people, places and situations.

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Durable, rugged magnesium case provides protection.

Support a wide range of access methods that include: •

Direct selection

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One switch scanning

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Two switch scanning

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Audio touch

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Audio-scanning

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Headmouse (Maestro, Vmax+, M3)

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Joystick

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Eye tracking (Vmax+ and Maestro)

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Keyguard

WPAC Developed exclusively for use with the current line of DynaVox communication devices, the Wheelchair Power Adapter Converter (WPAC) combines with any type of power wheelchair to give you even more on-the-go flexibility and freedom by extending the battery run time of your DynaVox communication device. The WPAC is designed to gauge and prioritize the charge status and power requirements of the DynaVox device and wheelchair to ensure the device stays charged, while still allowing for ample power to run the wheelchair.

Vmax+: •

•

Connect and communicate with the blink of an eye when you combine the Vmax+ with the EyeMax eye tracking accessory. Top-facing speakers deliver crisp, clear sound that can be heard in virtually any environment.

The InterAACt Language Framework What is InterAACt? InterAACt the language framework used on all DynaVox devices, allows individuals with speech and language disabilities to successfully communicate, develop high level language skills and express themselves. InterAACt provides the messages needed to say what you want, how you want and when you want! InterAACt also uses familiar communication environments that are natural. Many language systems provide the tools for basic communication, but InterAACt provides everything you need for complete communication and self-expression.

Precise. Precision elements take advantage of single word vocabularies (core and categorical dictionaries) and keyboards - giving the communicator the ability to create novel messages by combining these single words to create a complete thought. Gateway, WordPower and AlphaCore are all examples of core word page sets. Below are keyboard options that can be used based on familiarity or special access method.

Efficient. Because individuals with cerebral palsy may have difficulty expressing their wants and needs, InterAACt provides Topic Pages and Quickfires that will encourage successful day-today interaction by making use of words, re-usable phrases and sentences that will support fast and efficient communication.

Customizable. InterAACt offers ease of use through flexible and intuitive customization tools such as symbol libraries, new page creation templates and digital images. All of this is possible with InterAACt and supports various user access methods.

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/

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Communication ability levels InterAACt meets the needs of children and adults with cerebral palsy by providing the messages needed to say what they want, how they want and when they want! InterAACt also supports language and literacy growth and strives to provide the appropriate vocabulary needed for successful interaction for individuals of all ages and language ability levels, including individuals who are:

Emergent An Emergent Communicator: •

Benefits from the support of communication partners.

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Is beginning to use simple and concrete symbols.

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Communicates best in familiar or motivating activities.

Glen Uses his M3 for fast, easy interaction with other students at school. Glen is a very social and outgoing young man. On the DynaVox M 3, he has access to simple page layouts with phrase and wordbased vocabulary for basic communication. The M 3 helps Glen learn and practice the skills needed to move to the next level of language and literacy development.

Context-Dependent A Context-Dependent Communicator: •

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Uses symbols spontaneously to communicate basic needs and wants. Is starting to understand more abstract symbols (e.g., hot). Is beginning to develop basic literacy skills (e.g., letter names and sounds).

Independent An Independent Communicator: •

•

Has literacy skills that are aligned with same-age peers. Is able to talk about a broad range of age-appropriate topics in flexible ways. Combines single words, spelling, phrases and complete sentences to create novel messages.

Independent communication is based on the age appropriateness of skills. For example, a three-year-old child can be independent, but not reading yet because it is not age appropriate. For a child living with cerebral palsy, they may begin using InterAACt at the emergent level, but as they grow older and develop their communication skills, they are still able transition to the next level. The tools and communication pages needed to support these transitions are always available within InterAACt. Each page set builds on previous experiences to support higher-level language and communication skills.

Aimee Uses her Maestro to express her unique thoughts. Aimee loves sharing stories with her parents, although sometimes it can be difficult. With her DynaVox Maestro, she captures photos while on field trips, and later shares her stories at home with her parents.

Miles Uses his Vmax+ to complete daily tasks at work. Miles is a hard worker, and takes pride in his job. With the DynaVox Vmax+, Miles is able to type messages when talking with co-workers, and also uses his device to help him complete common daily tasks.

InterAACt and Learning During a typical day, students will spend time in the classroom, on the playground, on the computer, in the cafeteria, etc. It is important to provide necessary communication tools so that they can participate to the fullest extent. InterAACt provides the vocabulary to promote functional communication, and language and literacy skills development, related to school specific activities. The ultimate goal is to increase classroom participation and learning. Reading and presentations

Real-life examples of classroom participation and learning: Elementary classroom Calendar time Reading

Snack

Art

Secondary classroom

Reading materials can easily be brought into the device, and with the deviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech synthesizer, the text can be read aloud. Symbols can also be added to the text to support beginning readers.

Interacting with teachers and classmates

Math

Students will have access to the vocabulary needed to initiate conversation and interact socially with their teachers and peers in the classroom.

Calculators, numbers, shapes (for sequencing) and addition, subtraction and multiplication practice pages are all available.

Calendar Time

Allows students to participate in songs and stories, and learn about the calendar and weather during various group activities.

Science

Science page sets allow students to participate in science activities by giving them the appropriate vocabulary to communicate in group activities and discussions with their teacher and peers.

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InterAACt and Employment

cerebral palsy

During the work day, an individual may spend time connecting with coworkers and peers, working on the computer and setting reminders to remind them of special events or tasks. It is necessary to provide the necessary communication tools so that they can contribute to the fullest extent. InterAACt provides topic pages (e.g., workplace) to promote common communication messages that are specific to those work environments or situations (e.g., “It’s all ready. Send it first class.,” or “I can’t find it. Let’s do it on Monday.,” etc.). With InterAACt, the communicator will have access to hundreds of topics of conversation. The ultimate goal is to increase participation and socialization in the workplace.

Real-life examples of communication in the workplace:

E-mail

Mailroom

InterAACt’s Navigator makes it easy for users to communicate and reply to e-mail quickly and easily.

Setting Reminders

Office

Conversing with coworkers and peers

Remember to do work tasks, or set reminders for special events by using reminders located in calendar and alarms.

Topic Pages and Quickfires encourage successful day-to-day interaction by making use of words, re-usable phrases, and sentences that support fast and efficient communication in the workplace.

InterAACt and Social Skills Development On a typical day, an individual will spend time socializing at home and in the community; connecting and doing everyday tasks and activities. This includes going to the bank, the post office or attending social events in the community with their peers. InterAACt provides topic pages (e.g., bank) to promote social skills development using topics that are both relevant and specific to various situations and settings in which individual will need to communicate.

Real-life examples of communication at home and in the community:

At the bank

Family Interaction Bank vocabulary will allow individuals to ask for help, request funds or ask a question about their checking account.

Social events with peers

InterAACt home topics also make use of preprogrammed words and phrases, which results in encouraging interaction with family at home, while also supporting efficient communication. While at social events, such as a baseball game, an individual will have access to the vocabulary needed to initiate conversations and interact socially with their peers.

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InterAACt and Access to the World

cerebral palsy

If physical abilities need to be supported, DynaVox devices can act as remote control providing increased independence for people with limited mobility. Through the use of the AAC deviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remote control unit, people with cerebral palsy can operate a variety of household appliances such as televisions, lights and telephone through infrared technology. In addition, computer access functions on the communication device allow individuals to send and receive email, operate a computer with full keyboard and mouse functions or behave as a fully operating Windows computer (optional).

Real-life examples of how communication supports access to the world:

Text Messages

Allows individuals to communicate with friends and family through text messaging.

Television controls

Phone Calls

Provides individuals with a remote control unit, that delivers access to television remote controls.

Camera Provides users with the access needed to easily connect and socialize with others via phone.

The integrated camera, included on the Maestro, can be used to capture memories as they happen, so that the photos can immediately be incorporated into new or existing communication pages.

Common Questions About Using AAC Devices With People With Cerebral Palsy

Will a speech device impede my child’s natural ability to speak?

Extensive research has proven that AAC can actually benefit children by enhancing their communication and supporting the development of language and literacy skills. With AAC, individuals 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).

How are devices funded?

In most states, devices are paid for by one of several funding sources. These sources include Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Some nonprofit organizations also work to provide communication devices for those who do not qualify for or do not have access to other funding sources. 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.

How do I know if AAC is the right choice? What if an individual cannot use his or her hands to access a device? If an individual’s speech and language skills are not developing normally, or if they have a condition making normal speech development unlikely, then they may be a candidate for AAC. Please note that introducing AAC DOES NOT mean that you are giving up on speech. This is a common misconception. Remember, the goal of AAC is to enhance communication, not to replace or inhibit the existing communication skills of the child. For more information on typical speech and language development, please visit: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/.

Many access methods exist, including eye tracking, head tracking and multiple types of switches which can be attached to wheelchair headrests or other locations.

Can a person with severe Cerebral Palsy use an EyeMax?

How do I choose the most appropriate device?

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) should perform an evaluation to determine if an AAC system is appropriate. The evaluation will assess and compare different devices to determine which one will allow the individual to achieve the highest level of communication success. Most school districts and private speech and language clinics either employ SLPs or can refer you to a qualified SLP in your area. If you need assistance in finding an SLP who is familiar with AAC in your area, please contact your local DynaVox consultant.

A person with severe cerebral palsy who is able to maintain a relatively stable head position, either on their own or supported by a head rest, and who does not have significant eye control problems, can do quite well with an EyeMax System.

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Our Commitment Our commitment to individuals with Cerebral Palsy and their families We are committed to helping individuals with cerebral palsy 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 and special education. And we will support you through the entire AAC process, from assessment to implementation.

Our commitment to SLPs, teachers and support professionals

cerebral palsy

Visit Us Online Our website is designed to help guide you through your search for communication solutions. Visit www.dynavoxtech.com and www.mayer-johnson.com to learn more about our products, resources and available services. Need assistance? To find help in your area, please visit www.dynavoxtech.com and enter your zip code, or call 1-866-DYNAVOX, to speak with your local DynaVox Consultant.

Our goal is to provide the tools you need to support individuals with cerebral palsy. We honor your commitment to helping each individual who you serve communicate to his or her fullest potential, and want to help you work effectively and efficiently toward that goal. DynaVox provides SLPs and other professionals with the following resources: •

•

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 negotiate the funding process Local product representatives to provide hands-on demonstrations and ensure that the SLP has the equipment necessary to complete an AAC evaluation Many local and on-line training opportunities 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

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DynaVox Blog

United Cerebral Palsy

The official DynaVox Blog

A gateway to state and local chapters

blog.dynavoxtech.com

ucp.org

Mayer-Johnson

Additional Resources:

Resources for implementation

Special education products and special needs software mayer-johnson.com

DynaVox Toolkit

DynaVox Training Online (recorded and live) and on-location

dynavoxtech.com/ implementation-toolkit/

dynavoxtech.com/training/ default.aspx

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.

connect with us All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of DynaVox Systems LLC. Copyright protection claimed includes all forms and matters of copyrightable material and information allowed by statutory or judicial law or hereafter granted, including without limitation, material generated from the software programs which are displayed on the screen such as screen displays, menus, etc.

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