Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

36ImplicationsStatusFor consultants – better able to provide effective training based on expressed needs oftherapists. The following guidelines can now be used when planning training activities:• Timing of training – training activities should be conducted when the technology item isbeing used by a client, or when the training topic is clinically relevant for the therapist.• Method of delivery – regional small group and one-on-one training is the most effectivedelivery method. Training should be focused on the needs of clients. Workshops and inserviceday presentations are less effective.CompletedProject titleContributorsSummaryMethodThe Augmentative and Alternative Communication train: What brings parentsonboard?Catherine Olsson, Dr Parimala Raghavendra, Kylie Opperman, Emma Colston,Sandra StewartIntroduction of and ongoing support for Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC)to children with complex communication needs (CCN) and their families is an important areaof work for Novita speech pathologists. While some families embrace the use of AAC fortheir children, a majority of others hold fears that AAC will negatively impact on their child’spotential to develop speech. Speech pathologists were interested to find out more about thethings that can help clients and their families in understanding and using AAC systems inorder to improve service delivery.A descriptive study using questionnaires and interviews was used to gather data from twogroups of participants and consisted of two phases:Phase 1: 19 speech pathologists were asked what characteristics (knowledge, skills,behaviour, attitude, awareness) they thought family members have, who were felt to be ‘onboard’with AAC, and also their comments regarding a definition of ‘successful use of AAC’.Phase 2: The speech pathologists identified families that met the ‘on-board’ characteristics.40 families were identified as being ‘on-board’, and 15 of these families were interviewed toexpress their initial reactions to AAC and the journey since then including any highlights andchallenges and any advice for other parents at an earlier point in their journey.