New ACC devices aid in patient interaction
Imagine not being able to convey even the simplest message to your loved ones; not being able to tell people what you want to eat or drink, that you do or don’t like something, that you are in pain, or even that you love them.
This is not uncommon for many people living with cerebral palsy, brain injuries, autism, Down’s syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and in the aftermath of a stroke.
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital is proud to announce that they now have state of the art technology to help those suffering with severe communication impairments.
“Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas,” stated Karen Alexander, Speech Language Pathologist at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.
“People with severe speech and language problems rely on AAC to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional.”
There are two types of AAC systems. The first is an unaided communication system where the patient relies on their own body to convey messages. The second type, an aided communication system requires the use of tools or equipment in addition to the patient’s body. In aided communication, special computerized devices can help people convey their messages.
“Famous physicist Steven Hawking, who has ALS, is a very successful user of AAC and has used this technology to continue to author books and deliver lectures,” added Karen.
“St. John’s purchased two AAC devices in an effort to improve patient care. In my three years working at St. John’s, I have been continually impressed with the organization’s commitment to providing quality care for our patients. We are a better equipped rehab department than many hospitals with 200+ beds! I am very proud to have the latest AAC technology to use in my therapy sessions.” Both Karen and her colleague, Speech Language Pathologist Carolyn Peterson are trained in the use of these specialized computer devices.
Karen is thrilled with the results that her patients have seen with the use of an AAC device. “One of my patients, Ron Klin was born with cerebral palsy that affected his entire body, including the muscles involved with speaking. He is able to say a few phrases that can be recognized by close friends and family, but he has a hard time participating in conversations beyond answering yes and no questions.”
Before he began using the AAC device, Ron had to rely on people guessing his needs or using his motorized wheelchair to lead them to an area to help with their guessing. Now that Ron has obtained an AAC device, a small button that couples with a computer is placed behind his head. He uses this button to navigate a special computer program that speaks for him. He can now tell jokes, talk on the phone, ask people to weed and water his garden, and tell people what he would like to watch on TV or listen to on the radio. “Ron has a wonderful sense of humor that is hard for him to share without AAC. Now that he can use a computer to speak, Ron is able to share his sense of humor with everyone else,” continued Karen.
Luke Weber, another of Karen’s patients is also seeing amazing results with the use of an AAC device. “Luke worked with me using the hospital’s AAC device during therapy sessions. After some success here, his family purchased an AAC device for home use,” stated Karen. Luke is still mastering the use of his device, but is able to communicate to people more easily and be better understood.
Prior to the use of the AAC device, Luke would speak 1 to 2 words at a time and use some signs. Unfortunately, because of his Down’s syndrome and muscle weakness, it was difficult for most people to understand his speech and his signs. Now with his iPad and special communication software, he is able to participate in basic conversation, share information about himself to others, and much more. “He has made great progress and seems a lot more engaged in the community,” continued Karen. “Now that he is able to communicate to a greater variety of people with this computerized speech device he is doing more activities out in the community such as working at the farmer’s market so that he can practice using his AAC device to speak to people. Luke loves interacting with people and it’s great to see him be so much more successful with communication!”
Luke’s mother Ann is thrilled with the changes that the device has made in their lives. “Luke is a lot happier now that he has a ‘voice’. Before the device many choices were made for Luke or we would present him a choice between just two items. Now he is able to express to us and others really what he likes and doesn’t like. He is also able to tell us about his day!” stated Ann. “The best part of Luke’s device is that his personality has come alive. He now has a way to express his sense of humor and joke with others. It is very heart-warming to see the joy in his face when he can interact with other people!”