Speech Language Pathology

Biography

Biography: Marivic Beebee and Cynthia Constance Brewster

Abstract

Many residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNF’s) will not get an augmentative alternate communication (AAC) or a Speech Generating (SGD) device, unless they or their families pay for it. Medicare currently does not fund these devices unless residents are members of the community and are not SNF residents. States such as Georgia have technology departments that will offer permanent loaners for such residents. This session will be hosted by a SLP and a representative from Tobii Dynavox who have carried out joint assessments and interventions for SNF residents with Tobii Dynavox AAC devices. Participants will be given ideas for carrying out assessments to determine when a resident is eligible for a device. Examples of how the SNF SLP, the Tobii Dynavox representative and the Georgia state technology department work together to obtain a successful assessment, as well as treatment using the AAC, permanent loaner device in the SNF for ADL’s will be illustrated. Information will also be provided on what not to do to obtain successful out comes. Lastly, 3 case studies will be presented to illustrate the response of SNF residents to the AAC devices.