Journal of Speech Pathology & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Many residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNF’s) will not get an augmentative alternate communication (AAC) or a Speech Generating (SGD) device, unless they or their families pay for it. Medicare currently does not fund these devices unless residents are members of the community and are not SNF residents. States such as Georgia have technology departments that will offer permanent loaners for such residents. This session will be hosted by a SLP and a representative from Tobii Dynavox who have carried out joint assessments and interventions for SNF residents with Tobii Dynavox AAC devices. Participants will be given ideas for carrying out assessments to determine when a resident is eligible for a device. Examples of how the SNF SLP, the Tobii Dynavox representative and the Georgia state technology department work together to obtain a successful assessment, as well as treatment using the AAC, permanent loaner device in the SNF for ADL’s will be illustrated. Information will also be provided on what not to do to obtain successful out comes. Lastly, 3 case studies will be presented to illustrate the response of SNF residents to the AAC devices.

Biography

Cynthia Constance Cee Cee Brewster has worked in the field of speech language pathology for well over 27 years. She has a BS in Speech Language Pathology from Illinois State University and MS in Speech Language Pathology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois. She has a background in adult neurological disorders specializing in the areas of swallowing disorders, cognitive language disorders and use of augmentative communication devices with stroke patients. Her work as a traveling Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) has allowed her to work in many areas of the country and in a variety of clinical settings: Acute, outpatient, day rehabilitation, acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing and home health. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty and as a Clinical Supervisor. She has also served the Huntsville Community in providing speech services to the Mentees of the 100 Black Men of America-Huntsville Chapter, participated in local health fairs as well as lectures to educate the public regarding speech and language disorders through the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Rho Chi Omega Chapter as a Member. She has been employed with Integra Rehabilitation as a Regional Traveler for more than 4 years in Greensboro, Georgia.

Email: speakin2u@gmail.com