SGDs & the Communication Needs of Persons with Aphasia

Narrow & Bridge the Gap Aphasia by definition results in a gap between a persons pre and post-stroke communication An SGD helps both to narrow and to bridge that gap, by o Speaking where a users natural speech is lost o Helping users recover much natural speech o Supporting prompted speech o Improving verbal comprehension o Strengthening self-monitoring

Adapt to Elderly Stroke Survivor Communication Style, Characterized by Less small talk More storytelling More focus on past events than on future Co-construction, with speaker & listener both looking at SGD screen Initial identification of topics, to narrow range of communication options Wariness in using devices: these users dont like to experiment

Characteristics of Persons with Aphasia Most are older They are re-integrating language, rather than learning it for the first time They usually have cognitive deficits in addition to their aphasia, and physical and sensory deficits as well Their comprehension is often better than expression, which can be frustrating They experience directly their ongoing improvement

Functional Communication Domains of Importance Activities of daily living: eating, dressing, grooming, shopping Medical: manage medications; describe ailments; communicate with doctors Answer the phone, manage phone transactions

Social Isolation, and its Reduction Aphasia can result in frustration and isolation, causing depression Social participation and support groups can help reduce all three SGD users often have free time in which to employ their device profitably o With others: to tell life stories, connect with family, plan and shop, etc. o Independently: to practice, to prepare & rehearse for upcoming events

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