Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 11:15 AM- Wednesday, May 14, 2025 12:15 PM
Location: RESNA@RehabWeek 2025 Sheraton Riverside Downtown Chicago Chicago, IL
Lead/Instructor: Tara Chay, Barrow Neurological Institute

Abstract: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies can improve the independence and communication effectiveness for a variety of individuals with reduced speech intelligibility due to a progressive degenerative neurological impairment.  These individuals, who have always been able to speak and be understood, can be reluctant to adopt AAC strategies - even when frequent communication breakdowns and frustration occur.  A no technology/low technology strategy will be described to improve client buy-in and adoption of AAC.  Client examples of systems built to act as a bridge to more traditional AAC strategies will be introduced. 

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this program, learners will be able to differentiate the communication impairments and unique needs of 2 progressive neurological diagnoses - Parkinson’s disease and primary progressive aphasia. Participants will be able to identify 1 strategy to help bridge AAC adoption for individuals with an adult-onset communication impairment. Participants will be able to differentiate and describe the difference between part-time and full-time AAC use.