Supporting Connection and Recovery for People with Aphasia using Aphasia Duo

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
consultant
family member / caregiver
healthcare administration
occupational therapist
physical therapist
speech language pathologist
university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 1

Description:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is often underutilized in aphasia intervention, despite its potential to support meaningful communication, foster independence, and promote recovery. This session introduces Aphasia Duo, a new symbol-supported AAC grid set designed specifically for people with aphasia (PwA). Developed with input from experts, grounded in research, and refined through user testing, Aphasia Duo offers a conversation-focused approach to AAC that prioritizes participation and communication partner support. The session will provide a deeper understanding of the role of AAC in aphasia therapy, explore how Aphasia Duo can support real-world interaction, language retrieval, and personalized communication for individuals with varying levels of aphasia. The session will conclude with case-studies of how to use AAC, and Aphasia Duo specifically, to support people with aphasia.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe two differences between the available vocabulary options in Aphasia Duo.

• Identify one way Aphasia Duo can help communication partners support people with Aphasia.

• Describe three communication tools available in Aphasia Duo.

Disclosures:

Financial: Amanda receives a salary from Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inc.

Non-financial: Amanda is a member of ASHA and ASHA Sig 12.
Financial: Melanie Gylling receives a Salary from Smartbox Assistive Technology, where she is the Director of Clinical Education.

Non-financial: Melanie Gylling is a member of ASHA, ASHA SIG 12, ISAAC, and USAAC. She also is a member of the DEIA Committee and AAC Awareness committees for USSAAC but receives no compensation.