[DYSPHAGIA] ALS patient and AAC options

[kgoertz@pahd.sk.ca (Clarke-Goertz, Kim (PAHD))]

Dear members,

I apologize in advance for posting this to the dysphagia listserv, however,
I know there are SLPs in this group who serve patients with ALS regularly
and it is you who I need some advise from.  So all you devout dysphagia
experts who deal with no AAC can now tune out/delete  :  )

I have been asked by one of our OTs to help with a gentleman in long term
care/nursing home who has ALS.  Apparently he still has some UE
strength/function and uses the telephone as a main contact daily.  He has
occasional visitors but uses mostly the telephone.  So, for that, we are
looking at ordering a remote controlled speakerphone.  He will need
financial assistance for this device, so we will be making application to a
local foundation for monies (we may also ask for other equipment to be
funded, but at the moment I need some assistance determining what other
equipment might be useful for this man - any and all suggestions are
welcome).  

My question is this:  what other communication aides/devices/strategies
would you recommend for an individual with ALS; high tech, low tech?  I
realize that AAC is very individualized to each person's needs, however, I
have not had any other cases of ALS/AAC, only ALS/dysphagia.  I know from
past emails that there are some clinicians out there who serve this
population either exclusively or frequently and I would greatly appreciate
some advice if you can spare the time to give it.

I will be happy to provide more details about this gentleman's case as
questions are asked and answered.  I do have an AAC assessment protocol to
follow and will be starting that this week with him, however, due to the
time constraints of this disease I want to do as much as I can for him as
fast as I can.

Thank you in advance for any and all replies.

Kim

Kim Clarke-Goertz CCC-SLP (C)

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