Joan Green first got hooked on technology nearly 20 years ago during her Clinical Fellowship at Fairfax Hospital in northern Virginia.
"Back then it really didn't add much to treatment," she says. "It actually slowed down the process because the computers in the lab often broke down, the programs were just replicas of the paper/pencil type activities that were in the workbooks, and the programs weren't very motivating to clients."
In two decades, technology has improved dramatically, and is now widely used in clinical treatment.
"Technology not only can improve outcomes but can boost independence, self-reliance and self-esteem," Green says. "Whether you're young or old, computer-savvy or not, whether you speak another language or have a mild or severe disability, you can still benefit if you are matched up with the right computer tool."
Assistive technology works in two ways, she says-by compensating for deficits and improving skills.
For example, she points out that people who can understand spoken language but have trouble reading can utilize a computer that reads aloud. For people who understand better when they can hear words and see them at the same time, written materials can be scanned into a computer that can then read the material aloud. Computers can help non-speaking people communicate; clients can press a button with a picture and messages can be spoken or thoughts can be produced. Adaptive devices can alter aspects of a person's environment to help them communicate more effectively.
Integrating computers into daily routines can improve areas of communication and cognition, and help compensate for daily challenges, she says. Daily computer stimulation can be an interesting and fun way for clients to receive multi-sensory input with consistency and repetition of language and cognitive concepts.
There are financial benefits, too. Although the purchase of the computer, software, and training is an initial expense, computer-aided treatment conserves clients' health insurance benefits, and enables them to have more practice time and take charge of their recovery.
But computers can't solve every problem. "Technology doesn't replace treatment with a speech-language pathologist," she said. "And it can be a problem if they slow down the rehabilitation process and cause more frustration."
The key factor is choosing software that the client can use effectively and which meets the client's clinical needs. Another challenge is for clients or providers to know what to do when the computer breaks down.
"We need to analyze the individual's support structure and learning style and match that with the wide selection of devices that are on the market," she said. "The technology then needs to be introduced in such a way as to be easily learned and integrated into daily life."
Contact Joan Green, founder of Innovative Speech Therapy, at joan@innovativespeech.com.