Clients who use switch access can remotely engage in switch adapted computer games on platforms such as HelpKidzLearn Games & Activities, while the therapist shares their screen and initiates remote mouse control for the user to play using a switch interface tool.
ADDITION OF ASYNCHRONOUS CONTENT Prior to the conversion of our AACcelerate program to the telehealth platform, each participant would receive a home pro- gram and communication roadmap which included general AAC implementation tips and strategies for caregivers and commu- nication partners. All home programs were supplemented with video content specific to these strategies and recommended equipment. Over the course of the program’s first year running, we have developed a sizable library of asynchronous content that can be used by therapists for training and as additions to a client’s home program. As we prepared for telehealth, we were forced to more quickly create equipment specific videos about setup, use, and troubleshooting for all AAC and AT equipment utilized in the program to provide to families along with their equipment kits. This expansion of resources has helped to speed the growth of our AAC and AT therapist training program as well. We are continuing to explore options for a virtual platform to house all of our asynchronous content that is both accessible and HIPAA compliant. CI CONNECT: AACTIVITY HOUR In the first few months of transition to the telehealth platform for all services at our clinic, our specialty, high-frequency pro- grams were put temporarily on hold while we developed plans for service provision. During that interim period when we were not registering new clients for AACcelerate, we began to create innovative and alternative methods of serving this population. This included free and low cost AAC outreach programs and classes, on our company’s new classroom platform, CI Connect.
feasibility of clinic-to-clinic travel time. During the program, the telehealth platform will allow for ease of observation opportuni- ties and for collaboration with outside school, community, and hospital providers. The platform will also allow us to overcome two of the largest barriers we have faced regarding AAC client recruitment and participation: geography and illness/medical fragility. Clients from any geographic area within the state will no longer have to physically travel to our clinic in order to re- ceive services in the AACcelerate program. Additionally, since the population we serve in the program has highly complex medical profiles and increased medical fragility, we project that we will see a decreased number of cancellations due to illness. Telehealth also allows for ease of follow-up, and our continued collaboration with family and outside providers following pro- gram participation. PARENT AAC COMPETENCY AND HOME CARRYOVER Both inside and outside of the AACcelerate program, a silver lining of AAC intervention via telehealth is that caregivers and family are more involved in direct treatment. Practitioners are able to provide strategies and implementation tips in real time and provide critique and feed- back to meet the needs of the family where they are. The necessary detour to tele-AAC provided us with the opportunity to provide more frequent and meaningful parent training, to troubleshoot challenges with equipment in real time, and to see improved generalization of skills in the home environment. We have also seen improved parent confidence with AAC equipment and modeling, and plan to survey participating AACcelerate families on their perceived AAC competen- cies after full program completion this summer.
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