Assistive Technology- Module 6: Cognitive Augmentation & Alternative Communication Systems

Course Description:

These courses derived from the text Assistive Technologies, offer the latest clinical information needed to master assistive strategies, make confident clinical decisions, and help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Based on the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition provides detailed coverage of the broad range of devices, services, and practices that comprise assistive technology, and focuses on the relationship between the human user and the assisted activity within specific contexts. These courses feature coverage of new ethical issues, more explicit applications of the HAAT model, and a variety of global issues highlighting technology applications and service delivery in developing countries. 

Module 6: Cognitive Augmentation & Alternative Communication Systems covers:

• Chapter 15: Assistive Technologies for Cognitive Augmentation
• Chapter 16: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers. 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None 

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize the definition of cognitive skills
2. Identify disorders that may benefit from cognitive assistive technologies
3. Identify typical cognitive and behavioral difficulties after TBI
4. Differentiate between the categories of assistive technologies to aid cognitive function
5. Differentiate between the types of cognitive assistive technologies: memory, time management, prompting/cueing
6. Recognize key concepts in web design for individuals with cognitive disabilities
7. Identify the four contexts to consider for assistive technology applications
8. Recognize communication activities that can be aided by augmentative and alternative communication
9. Differentiate between types of communicators
10. Recognize the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention in dementia
11. Recognize partners and modes of communication
12. Differentiate between low-tech and high-tech AAC systems
13. Recognize dynamic communication displays and their role in AAC
14. Identify categories to be included in a conversational AAC system
15. Recognize an augmentative and alternative communication evaluation and assessment
16. Identify the augmentative and alternative communication team 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test