Functional Communication in Individuals with Chronic Severe Aphasia Using Augmentative Communication

The purpose of this study was presentation of a detailed, computer-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) training protocol for use with chronic non-fluent aphasia (NA). Two NA adults and their caregivers were trained via a specific programmatic sequence of prompts/cues to use the Dialect with Speaking Dynamically Pro (Zygo Industries, Inc., 2004) as a functional means of iconic communication. Documentation of treatment outcome and pre- and post-training testing with the Western Aphasia Battery, ASHA FACS, ASHA Quality of Communication Life Scale, and Communicative Effectiveness Index revealed: improvement in language and cognitive functioning, increased communicative independence, and improvement in caregivers’ perception of overall communication for both participants. Moreover, both individuals used the device to improve communication across all settings.