Speech-language pathologists' use of iPad technologies for persons with aphasia

Abstract

A variety of therapy tools as well as augmentative alternative communication (AAC) devices and strategies exist to aid in the communication enhancement of persons with aphasia. As technology continues to evolve, personal computing tablets (PCTs) such as the iPad have joined the race in finding the solution to this often devastating communication disorder with the development of apps that address the therapy needs of this population as well as potential AAC strategies. Because of the novelty of this technology, little evidence exists supporting the efficacy of such apps. Additionally, little is known about the decision making process in which speech-language pathologists engage before determining if a given app is an appropriate therapy option for a patient. The purpose of this study is to determine how medically-based speech-language pathologists are making a variety of clinical decisions regarding appropriate iPad applications to be used as therapy tools as well as AAC options for their patients with aphasia. Keywords: augmentative alternative communication, AAC, aphasia, speech-language pathologist, personal computing tablets, apps