Proposal

Narrative

The M.S. Program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders admits approximately 25 students per year. Each of these students enroll in three semesters of clinical practicum most of which is conducted in the FAU Communication Disorders Clinic (CDC). Prior to completing two off-campus practicum experiences, students are required to obtain 100 hours of clinical therapy time with clients. Many areas of communication disorders are treated, including autism, aphasia, stuttering, voice disorders, and speech, language delays/disorders in children. The clinic provides a carefully-supervised environment for students to apply classroom knowledge in evaluation and management of clients. It also provides valuable services to the community with affordable services for those with communication disorders. The field of Speech-Language Pathology is rapidly expanding with the increased use of technology in therapy. The use of iPad devices and apps that are related to the needs of clients and clinicians are used by many facilities, including hospitals and private practices. Using iPads in our FAU clinic helps to prepare our students for their competitive externships in these community facilities. iPad apps can be used with many types of clients. Children with autism and elderly clients who have language difficulties due to a stroke may utilize programs which works as an augmentative device. This program allows users to touch the screen and the program will speak the word associated with the picture chosen from the screen. There are many uses for these types of programs with clients seen at the FAU CDC. In addition, there are apps focused on stuttering and proper use of the voice. Speech therapy apps offer interesting and motivational visual cues and auditory feedback for clients. Our department currently has a few iPads, however, they are ten years old and we are unable to acquire the newest apps as the systems do not support the new technology

Facilities

N/A

Hardware Requirements

Funding is sought for the purchase of ten IPad devices through Apple's Education Store (10 pack bundle totaling $6,707.45). In addition to the ten IPad devices, funds of ($500) for a storage container is being requested. These devices will be kept in a locked cabinet and checked out only to graduate student clinicians, as needed for use with clients in the FAU CDC.

Software Requirements

Funds are requested to cover the purchase of apps related to speech-language pathology to be used by students in their practicum. Most of the apps used for speech therapy cost approximately $20-100 each. One particularly useful app, Proloquo2go costs $189.00. We are requesting $700.00 to cover the cost of apps which would allow the purchase of Proloquo2go and approximately 20 other apps. The apps can be placed into an iTunes account where they can be downloaded to all IPad devices from there, ensuring that the apps only have to be purchased once but can be used for all devices. Additional funds in the amount of $200.00 are requested for the following two years in order to allow for the purchase of approximately 10 new apps per year.

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

N/A

Timeline

The purchase of the Ipads, covers, and apps can take place immediately upon availability of funding.

Sustainability

The devices and covers will be a one-time cost of this project. However, it is likely that new apps will be available and that the purchase of these will be desired in the future. Funds in the amount of $200.00 are requested for the both the years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 in order to purchase approximately 10 more apps per year. These iPads will be in use for the next ten years without incurring cost.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Education