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Telepractice: Supporting Complex Communication During the Holidays

 

Published in the December 2024 issue of the ISHA Voice.

By Jennine Harvey, chair of the Telepractice Committee, and Kim Pritikin, member of the Telepractice Committee

In preparation for the festivities of the season, it is important to consider how to create inclusive communication environments for individuals with complex communication needs. Complex communication needs refer to the inability to use verbal communication to express wants and needs (Porter & Kirkland, 1995) and support communicative competence or independence to share ideas (ASHA, n.d.a). While speech-language pathologists (SLP) work with patients and caregivers to build functional communication, communication partners are also key in creating inclusive communication environments. Communication partners are any individual who participates in frequent or daily communication needs, including family, friends, and caregivers (ASHA,n.d.a.). Individuals with complex communication needs will often employ alternative augmentative communication (AAC) during function communication exchanges with communication partners. Therefore, it is essential that AAC strategies and devices are consistently available and accessible across environments (The State of Queensland, 2018). Telepractice services provide an opportunity to prepare patients, caregivers, and communication partners to practice and plan for successful communications during holiday festivities.

  • How to support
    • Telepractice & Holiday Preparation

Telepractice interventions allow clients to practice their communication strategies in a familiar, home environment. This service delivery model offers an opportunity to prepare for holiday festivities by practicing holiday vocabulary, setting expectations for communication and topics, and how to navigate novel activities or new communication partners.  (Navia, n.d.a; Paul & Zappi, 2020)

  • Consider the person's wants/needs

Be sure to include AAC and familiar, common communication supports, but also include holiday vocabulary. Integrating culturally relevant holiday language and traditions provides a unique opportunity to support inclusive communication during the holiday season. (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). Additionally, holiday vocabulary can be practiced in advance to best prepare clients for communication during festivities (Romski et al., 2010). 

(Navia, n.d.a)

 

  • Create a communication-friendly environment
    • Minimize visual and auditory distractions
    • Ensuring individuals are physically comfortable and seated strategically with communication partners
    • Communication partners are at eye level for easy of communication
    • Access to communication tools
    • Take turns during conversation
    • Use good lighting

(ASHA, n.d.b; The State of Queensland, 2018)

Practical Ideas: Telepractice preparation for the holidays

  • Use of schedules to set expectations and plan conversation starters
  • Plan games that are inclusive
  • Family traditions (baking, movies, stories, etc) are rich in language and can provide opportunities to plan meals, communication for gift giving and receiving, and even shopping.

(Navia, n.d.a; Paul & Zappi, 2020)

Resources:

Around the Holiday Table: How to Help Loved Ones With Hearing Loss at Thanksgiving

Keeping Conversation Going During Virtual Holiday Gatherings

Supporting students with complex communication needs

Speech and Language Tips for the Holidays - ABA Therapy in NJ

Supporting Communication During the Holidays

Using AAC during the Holidays - ABA Therapy in NJ

 

References:

American-Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA). (n.d.a). Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Retrieved on 12/11/24: https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/#collapse_1

American-Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA). (n.d.b).Around the Holiday Table: How to Help Loved Ones with Hearing Loss at Thanksgiving. Retrieved on 12/11/24: https://www.asha.org/about/press-room/around-the-holiday-table-how-to-help-loved-ones-with-hearing-loss-at-thanksgiving/?srsltid=AfmBOooUYQPZJGZikTikIDEDaa1NPtGaxZ9ARM58kT1TYSNNCz3CJm7_

Beukelman, D. R., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

Navia, A. (n.d.a). Using AAC during the Holidays. GentleCare Therapy. https://gentlecaretherapy.com/using-aac-during-the-holidays/

Navia, A. (n.d.b). Speech and Language Tips for the Holidays. GentleCare Therapy. https://gentlecaretherapy.com/speech-and-language-tips-for-the-holidays/

Porter, G., & Kirkland, J. (1995). Integrating augmentative and alternative communication into groups programs: Utilising the principles of conductive education. Spastic Society of Victoria.

Romski, M., Sevcik, R. A., Adamson, L. B., Cheslock, M., Smith, A., Barker, R. M., & Bakeman, R. (2010). Randomized comparison of augmented and nonaugmented language interventions for toddlers with developmental delays and their parents. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 53(2), 350-364.

The State of Queensland (Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors)

2018. Complex communication needs. Available from:

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/58540/complex-communication-needs.pdf