A Multidisciplinary Approach to AAC Assessment
Session
7.05
Education Stream
- Francesca Sephton (Bridge College)
- Andy Banns (Bridge College)
Summary
To describe Bridge College’s high tech AAC assessment pathway and the impact of the multidisciplinary team approach we apply.
Method/Activities/Techniques
Research and practice has shown up to a 75% abandonment rate of AAC devices when students have transitioned from further education into adult services (Scope, 2007). In response to this the therapy team at Bridge College have modified the assessment process, applying an AAC Predictive Assesment Model (Glennon & Decoste, 1998) to consider the individual’s communication needs, environment and motivation and to place more emphasis on family / carer involvement. The multidisciplinary team have implemented a collaborative decision-making process when selecting AAC solutions. This new pathway has been trialled and three case studies have been collated to review its effectiveness. Parent/carer questionnaires and accessible student questionnaires have been adminstered to rate overall satisfaction with the assessment pathway and AAC solutions.
Results/Findings
Questionnaires from parents / carers yielded positive results highlighting that they felt included in the process and satisfied with training and ongoing support. Students reported that they are happy with their AAC and are aware of who to go to if they have any issues.
Conclusions
The evidence base for AAC asssesment is limited and further research in the area is required to identify the best methodology for continuing AAC device use during transitions within a challenging socio-economic climate. Follow up research needs to be completed in order to determine whether the Bridge College assessment pathway has led to a decrease in AAC device abandonment.
References
Glennen, S. and Decoste, D. (1998) Handbook of AAC. New York: Cengage Learning
SCOPE (2007) Communication Aids Provision: Review of the Literature. Policy and Government Affairs. Retrieved (27/04/15) from www.scope.org.uk/disablism/downloads/scope-commaidprov-litreview07.pdf
Level of Session
General
Age Group
Adolescent, Adult
Interest
Further/Higher Ed., Adult, Transitions
