ACQ Vol 13 No1 2011

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Language disorders
ACQ Volume 13, Number 1 2011 47
Back row:
Left to Right:
David Harrison,
Adrienne Miles,
Angela Thewliss,
Yvette Yee, Alex
Hunting, Natasha
Matheson,
Elspeth Tranthim-
Fryer, Crystal
Ladzinski,
Michelle Byrne,
Stephanie
Borrello.
Front Row:
Left to Right:
Mary Hunt,
Courtney
Fraser, Melita
Brown (Head of
Department),
Asha Peet,
Libby Sinclair
4. Speech Sounds on Cue
Available from Multimedia Speech Pathology (http://
in Miami, Qld.
Speech Sounds on Cue is a multimedia software program,
primarily for motor speech difficulties, that provides a
self-directed or a supported alternative for practising speech
sounds at the individual and word levels. The program
includes cues for over 500 words, based around coloured
photos illustrating targeted word meanings. There are full
motion video clips which a user can watch and listen to that
have been combined with auditory and written trigger
phrases. The professional version also provides exercises for
the target phonemes that can be printed. The program can
be operated easily with either a mouse or simple keyboard
control.
5. Aphasia Tutor
Available from Multimedia Speech Pathology (http://
.
These are a group of software packages, which have also
been designed to assist supported or self-directed therapy.
The programs have been created for clients who have had a
brain injury (such as a stroke) resulting in aphasia. The
Royal Perth Hospital was the first hospital established
in WA, and is one of Australia’s largest and busiest
hospitals. It is divided into two campuses: Wellington
Street (acute hospital care) and Shenton Park (the state’s
primary rehabilitation centre). Our top 10 resources represent
a selection of traditional assessment and therapy tools, in
addition to items that we feel have great potential for the
future direction of speech pathology.
1. iPad
With the development of technology comes the opportunity
to evaluate and incorporate innovative ideas into therapy.
The potential of the iPad has yet to be fully explored;
however, on an initial trial, the ease of using the touch
screen, clear speech output, and great graphics have
provided access to a variety of communication options that
do not need to be packed into a bag and carried around the
wards. The options include paint programs that allow for
writing opportunities, picture symbols that can be used to
support communication in sessions or to set therapy goals,
and the ability to store a range of pictures and reading tasks
(which can also be supported by spoken output if required).
There are many applications available to explore, develop
and adapt for therapeutic intervention. It is well worth having
a look and considering the potential of the iPad.
2. LightWRITER® SL40
Manufactured by Toby Churchill Ltd, available from
Zyteq .
This is an old favourite augmentive and alternative communi-
cation device (AAC) that is portable, easy to handle and
durable. Its dual displays, one facing the “user” and the other
facing a “communication partner”, offer face-to-face
conversation. Its storage facility offers the ability to write and
save lengthy pieces of text and frequently used sentences as
key-combinations, for example “Tea please, milk and one
sugar” could be programmed under “TMS”. Another great
function is the word prediction option. As the user types, the
LightWRITER offers possible word choices. Further useful
functions include alarms for wake-up calls, and appointment
reminders.
3. Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT)
Swinburn, K., Porter, G., & Howard, D. (2004)
Comprehensive aphasia test. London: Psychology
Press. Available from Psychology Press, Taylor and
Francis Group ).
The CAT is an assessment for people with acquired aphasia
and is easy to administer and score. The main body of the
test assesses expressive and receptive language skills
across all modalities. The assessment provides a good
structure for a therapist to develop a profile of a client’s
strengths and weaknesses. The normative data is based on
people with and without aphasia, and information on validity
and reliability is provided. Additional sections include a
cognitive section, and an optional disability questionnaire.
Top 10 favourite resources
The Royal Perth Hospital Team