A Review of an Expressive Communication Program

1
A Review of an Expressive Communication Program

• Lindsay S. Randle, M.A. CCC-SLP
• Director of School Therapies

2
2001-Communication services at home prior to
Heartspring

• Before speech services at home
• Mostly vocal outbursts and SIBs
• Occasional positive vocalizations and laughs
• Escaped communication opportunities by leaving
  the room/area

• After services began
• Introduced SGDs (Speech Generating Devices), PCS
  (picture communication symbols), objects symbols
• Used 2 object boards 1snack, 1leisure
• Progressed to SGDs with PCS and digital pics

3
2001-VOCAs
Talk Track
4
2002- At Heartspring

• Focused on scanning abilities and increasing
  functional communication with SGDs
• Changes
• Carpet square with break choices
• Remote control

5
2003-Heartspring

• Focus on increasing communication opportunities
  and accuracy of choice
• Changes
• Added I want to tell you something, and its
  time to go to the bathroom,SGD
• Got rid of big remote

6
2004-Heartspring

• Focus on increasing his communication
  opportunities, creating a more cohesive system
  for Andrew
• Changes
• Added black felt portfolio that Andrew carried
  with him everywhere.
• TalkTrac was replaced by 2 personal talkers on
  the outside of the portfolio
• Changed multiple BIGmacks to an ITalk2

7
2005

• Continue trying to make his expressive
  communication more cohesive and easy to use.
  Focus on accuracy with new system
• Changes
• Tech Speak replaced all other expressive
  communication systems-Had overlays for different
  contexts throughout his day

8
2006

• Changes
• All in One overlay-incorporates ideas Andrew
  might want to express throughout his entire day
• Special overlays for eating out, cooking group,
  etc

9
Device Trials

• Vantage
• Chat PC
• Say it Sam
• E8300

10
2007

• Q1 introduced into Andrews regular routines

11
Future

• Ongoing Assessment
• Looking at Andrews fine motor and receptive
  skills
• Continue looking for a lighter, smaller more
  efficient communication device that is RELIABLE
• Consider other portability options

• Possibilities