Occupational Therapists (OTs) are crucial in helping people carry out their everyday activities on their own. They empower individuals by promoting the ability to make choices and advocate for themselves. One significant aspect of their role involves facilitating communication to support participation and engagement in everyday activities, especially in the field of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).
Communication is a vital skill for expressing thoughts, desires, and needs in various settings and communities. When traditional communication methods face obstacles, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) becomes a vital tool. In such situations, OTs play a key role, alongside other health professionals, in supporting individuals, ensuring they can effectively communicate and participate in their surroundings.
Understanding AAC:
AAC encompasses both Alternative Communication, employed when speech is absent or not functional; and Augmentative Communication, utilised to support existing speech. The aim is to address barriers in the person’s ability to express themselves, to understand others, and to engage in social communication opportunities.
AAC employs various modalities such as gestures, sign language, written communication, picture exchange, software, switches, communication books, and others.
It is important to clarify that visual schedules and routines are not considered AAC as they do not involve a two-way communication process.
The OT’s Role in AAC:
Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) have a vital role in assessing communication skills and implementing AAC; however, occupational therapists can also support the multi or interdisciplinary team in the decision-making and implementation process, such as:
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: OTs contribute to the multidisciplinary team by assessing the client’s functional skills, preferences, environment, and daily occupations – and if the chosen means of communication can be used across the different settings.
- Identifying Strengths and Challenges: OTs analyse the client’s daily routine to identify strengths and challenges in AAC usage, devising strategies to overcome barriers and enhance effectiveness.
- Advocacy and Support: OTs advocate for AAC device use across different environments, guiding other professionals in facilitating participation through the chosen system as part of the child’s independent skills.
- Motor, Sensory, and Cognitive Assessment: OTs assess the person’s motor, sensory, and cognitive skills to support the SLP’s decision of the most suitable AAC device, collaborating closely with Speech Language Pathologists during the assessment process.
Barriers to implementing AAC:
Implementing Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) with children can face various barriers, which may impact the successful integration of these communication strategies. Understanding and addressing these challenges is essential for effective AAC implementation. Here are some common barriers:
- Lack of Awareness and Education: Parents, educators, and even some professionals may lack awareness of AAC methods and their benefits, especially when augmentative communication is needed.
- Limited Training and Resources: Professionals working with children may have limited training in AAC strategies. Adequate resources, training programs, and ongoing professional development are crucial for effective AAC implementation.
- Assessment Challenges: Conducting a thorough assessment of a child’s communication abilities and needs can be challenging and can only be done by a SLP.
- And others, such as Communication Partner Training, Technological Barriers, Resistance to Change, Social Stigma, Inconsistent Implementation Across Settings, Individualization Challenges, and Limited Collaboration Among Professionals.
The collaboration between OTs and SLPs is crucial in successfully implementing AAC. Through their expertise, OTs ensure that individuals facing communication challenges can express themselves effectively, fostering participation in conversations and daily activities.
If you feel your child may benefit from our therapeutic services, please don’t hesitate to call us on 9913 3823 or email us at hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au.
