Augmentative and alternative communication project
Anne Marie Renzoni, Tracy Shepherd and Nahum Sloan
Online course for new professional staff at communication clinics establishes a training standard for Ontario
For a child who is not able to speak and who may have multiple challenges, providing a communication system is a complex process requiring specialized knowledge and a strong team approach. For clinicians in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), they face these challenges head on.
A clinical team in AAC consists of a speech language pathologist, a communication disorders assistant, an occupational therapist and an assistive technology consultant. Unfortunately, AAC is an area of clinical practice not well covered in formalized academic programs for Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists. Consequently, clinicians have to turn to learning on the job.
Motivated by very positive feedback from colleagues, clinicians and government groups who were anxious to establish a training standard, Anne Marie, Tracy and Nahum piloted the first ever course covering AAC practice in Canada. The on-line course was self-directed and could be completed anywhere.
The overall feedback was very positive. Following the initial implementation, the Assistive Devices Program Peer Review Team mandated that all new clinicians complete the on-line course.
Congratulations Anne Marie, Tracy and Nahum