High-tech Device Trials; Utilising Data Logging and Realize Language!
In this resource article, we will explore the process of high-tech communication device trials and how we use Realize Language to support communication device applications.
Every child has the right to communicate! As a speech pathologist, there is nothing more important than ensuring that all of our clients have access to a form of communication. Whether they be spoken language through words, gestures and signs such as Key Word Sign, or even a high tech speech-generating device such as an iPad or dedicated device!
There is a large array of communication functions that people use on a day to day basis such as requesting, protesting, commenting, asking questions, giving directions, giving opinions, sharing news and starting conversations (no doubt some are missing!).
As speech pathologists, we often have children on our caseloads with limited vocabularies and therefore we are required to provide a child's first exposure to a high-tech communication device.
What is a high-tech device?
A high-tech device is a complex electronic device, such as an iPad or tablet, that allows the storage and retrieval of messages which allows speech output. Your speech pathologist will go through several steps to determine a number of factors including:
The type of device required - e.g., Does it need to be a dedicated device, this means that it will only be able to be used as a speech-generating device.
The access method - there are lots of ways that you can operate a device such as direct access (touching the screen), switches, eye gaze etc.
The type of communication software that is appropriate for the client - each communication software is different and it is important that you child is provided with one that is the most appropriate for the use.
A: Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
B: TD Snap
C: TouchChat
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has several different rules and regulations when it comes to low, mid and high-cost devices. This can often mean that it is a long and slow process to get a high-tech device. However, your speech pathologist will be able to support you along the way. You can find out more information here.
What is a device trial?
Before you are able to purchase a high-tech device using NDIS funds, it is important to justify this purchase as reasonable and necessary. This is where device trials come into play.
A device trial will typically run 2-3 weeks in duration. Your speech pathologist can request a trial device from specific suppliers depending on your child’s needs. You are then given a device to take home and practice. This allows you and your child to familiarise yourself with the device, and think about what you do and don't like about it. For example:
Is it too heavy?
Is your child having trouble using the buttons? Do you need a key guard?
Is it too noisy?
Did it get broken? (it has happened but don’t stress, it is covered by a warranty!)
Essentially, taking it for a test drive. During this test drive your speech pathologist will use data logging to track the data and use this to support the NDIS application.
What is data logging and Realize Language?
Data logging is an option that your speech pathologist will turn on during your device trial. This will track how many times the device is used minute-by-minute, detailing when and how you use your device. This provides the NDIS with concrete evidence that a communication device is both reasonable and necessary for your child's success! This data is then collected at the end of the trial, and analysed using Realize Language.
Realize Language is the program that speech pathologists utilise to present this data. This makes the data easy to understand and more presentable for our NDIS reports! Below are some of the examples that Realize Language provides.
Word cloud: A word cloud provides us with a summary of all the words used in the device trial. The bigger the word, the more times it was used in the trial time period!
This sample shows us how many times the device was used and at what times during the day!
For more information on Realize Language visit this website or ask your speech pathologist in clinic.
Below are some useful links:
