ACE-D ; Augmentative Communication Evaluation for Devices Debby - - PDF document

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ACE-D ; Augmentative Communication Evaluation for Devices

Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP & important others

AAC Device Evaluations –Simplified

Debby McBride, MS., CCC-SLP & important others

Experience

Clinician Manufacturer’s representative Multi-line dealer Funding Clinician * Perspective * Awareness of what people are doing / not doing; looking for / finding / not finding

Important others

Students / patients / consumers Fellow clinicians Clinicians with AAC focus

– Educational – Medical – Private

Manufacturers Multi-line dealers Funding experts

WHAT is the ACE-D?

Web-based evaluation tool – specifically for devices Assumes that individual has some understanding of symbols DYNAMIC – and most current changes are available on the web at

aacPartners.com

aacPartners.com

Website providing a variety of resources Networks manufacturers, multi-line Dealers, clinicians, AT teams, consumers Providing products . . . . Including ACE-D

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What is in the ACE-D?

3 modules

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Documentation Assistant

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Assessment Assistant

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Device Selection Assistant

Documentation Assistant

helps to gather information identifies areas which may need to be assessed assists in simplifying paperwork for writing reports and acquiring funding

Device Selection Assistant

a web-based database that

– Saves you time in locating product information

• n AAC devices (SGD’s)

– Provides current and up-to-date information about most AAC devices (75 + devices)

Assessment Assistant

Ideas will assist in your evaluation

– Utilize what you have ?? (digitized, dynamic display, integrated systems, computer and peripherals) – Use your computer and peripherals as an evaluation tool * – Provide materials for areas which need to be assessed *

WHY?

Evaluation situations

– Ideal – Reality; examples of SGD’s – Limited access to SGD’s – Older examples of SGD’s – Computers and peripherals – None

WHO ?

AAC / AT specialists Less experienced clinicians Someone in between

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Philosophy

Use the tools you have available to assess skills Cost effective way to do basic evaluations Determine device features based on what you find Do research to find the devices which match the skills and needs Find your local resources and evaluate equipment appropriateness

Evaluation

Ask questions for you to consider

– In addition to what you are doing

Or

– As a guideline for what you are doing

Leads to you to the skills they have . . . . . Features on the device they need

Various forms

– Provide premade vocabulary and communication boards (low tech) – Provide premade overlays for devices which you already have (digitized) – Provide dynamic display software for your computer – Provide vocabulary for your dynamic display devices

Ask questions. . . Finding answers

Examples of areas to consider What is the access method? * What type of symbols are best * – Characteristics – Presentation of symbols Size of pictures

• No. of pictures

size of target area – Digitized examples – Options on devices 4”, 6.4 “, 8.4”, 12.1”, etc.

Language Representation

single meaning pictures / icons multi-meaning pictures (semantic compaction) Text- based programs: i.e. reading; spelling

Message formulation

Routine messages

– Prestore messages – How to retrieve quickly

Formulate messages

– Message bar; text, pictures, both

Change pages; digitized, dynamic *

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Rate Enhancement

Sentences/phrases used Prediction – Letter – Word . . . . . Alphabetic; frequency; recency – Picture prediction * Abbreviation expansion Semantic compaction *

Form

Premade vocabulary

– Based on age – Based on abilities – Based on simplicity . . . . . Complexity – Based on individual device options

diagonal screen / picture size

High tech; light tech; low tech

Other considerations

List of accessories

– What do you need? – What is available? – work with company/rep – Checklist . . .

Funding sources

– Medical funding Medicare; Medicaid; private insurance – Other . . . Educational; vocational; private

Consider Training Needs / Support

What companies provide

– Individual training – Local reps training – Group trainings – Virtual classroom – On-line supports (hook “in”) – Technical supports – Tutorials

Consider funding needs/options

Manufacturer does /assists in funding Manufacturer does not assist in funding Only part of the device cost will be paid What about caps and “allowables” on what will be covered. Completing the paperwork required for insurance purposes (doctor, family, SLP)

Some highlights

Identified Beta sites Trial prepared materials Give feedback Add in their own materials Web-based product to go and get

– Premade overlays/boards (dynamic display software) / vocabulary

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Your input

What do you need ? Example: I would like to see a way for me to evaluate which is the best language representation system for my student.

– Materials; single meaning; multiple meaning; alphabet methods – Research – Local resources – Team decision

Device Selection Assistant – DSA

a web-based database that

– Saves you time in locating product information

• n AAC devices (SGD’s)

– Provides current and up-to-date information about most AAC devices – Currently contains 75+ voice output devices currently on the market in the US; ranging from the simplest to the most complex – Helps you research the devices available based on your specific needs

How does it work?

Go to aacPartners.com Locate DEVICE SELECTIONS GUIDE Select log-in information Do search – see results

Do research & trial

Current devices available Locate devices

– Loaners; look at and try options

Loan bank . . . . considerations Local rep – manufacturer and dealer

Research current devices -

Device Selection Assistant Examples

Other considerations

Device styles ***

– Tablet with touchscreen – Tablet with on-screen keyboard – Table with plug-in keyboard – Integrated keyboard – Overlays / static display

How does it work?

Go to aacPartners.com *** Locate DEVICE SELECTIONS GUIDE Select log-in information Do search – see results

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DSA

Free “trial” search which reveals

– Variety of devices for your consideration – Allows you to search according to device “categories” – Gives you basic information at no charge

Cost Size / weight Medicare version/ code

Fee for service option

Side-by-side comparisons of devices you select Specifications with large amount of information; hardware and some software Software comparisons are coming Flyers of manufacturer’s info and contact information

Handouts

aacPartners.com

– Events – ATIA – Handouts