Proposal

Narrative

The Master’s Degree Program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders admits approximately 25-30 students per year. Each of these students must enroll in at least three semesters of clinical practicum (SPA 6505) most of which is conducted in the FAU Communication Disorders Clinic (CDC), located on the fourth floor of the College of Education Building. Prior to completing two off-campus practicum experiences, students are required to obtain 100 hours of clinical therapy time with clients. The clients enrolled in the clinic range from infants to elderly adults. Many areas of communication disorders are treated, including autism, aphasia (language disorder related to stroke), 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 a valuable service 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. One such area of expansion is the use of IPad devices and applications (apps) that are related to the needs of clients and clinicians. Use of these apps is cutting edge in the field and many speech-language pathologists are using them with many types of clients. For instance, children with autism appear to benefit from apps such as ABA Emotions, Things You Can Hear, and PhotoTouch, just to name a few. The following video shares the potential that is being realized through the use of this device with autistic children: http://youtu.be/GEqV_8ahr90 Elderly clients who have language difficulties due to a stroke may utilize a program called Proloquo2go 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. This program is also highly utilized in school settings with children who have autism. There are many uses for these types of a program 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. There are over 60 apps related to speech evaluation and management. These apps include functions such as drill and practice, data collection, generation of materials, in addition to interactive programs that talk to the clients and provide feedback regarding their performance on speech and language tasks. Recent presentations at the Annual Convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association indicate that many speech-language pathologists use the devices and that students will be expected to utilize this technology on the job. Use of IPad /iPhone apps is the number one topic of discussion in many online speech pathology discussion groups. In addition, clients and parents report strong support of the use of speech therapy and some clients attending the FAU CDC have requested the use of IPad apps in their therapy. Also, undergraduate students enrolled in Introduction to Communication Disorders (SPA 4202) complete observation hours in the FAU CDC and these students would also benefit by learning about this new and exciting technology. In order to best meet the needs of both the clients and our students, this technology should be utilized in the FAU CDC, however, at the present time, we only have two IPads.

Facilities

N/A

Hardware Requirements

Funding is sought for the purchase of two IPad devices ($799.00 for 64 GB each).

Software Requirements

Funds are requested to cover the purchase of apps related to speech-language pathology to be used with clients in the FAU CDC. Most of the apps used for speech therapy cost approximately $20-25 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 both IPad devices from there, ensuring that the apps only have to be purchased once but can be used for both 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

In addition to the two IPad devices, funds for two covers to protect the devices ($60.00 each) are 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.

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 $300.00 are requested for both the years 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 in order to purchase approximately 10 more apps per year.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Education