Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic is excited to expand our use of technology during our speech and language therapy sessions. We are currently in the process of researching and implementing available technologies for the iPad to utilize in the therapy environment. ASHA has stated that use of applications on mobile devices have been shown to increase efficiency, increase motivation, and allow for flexibility and adaptability.
Use of mobile devices is simply another tool to assist patients learning new skills. As described by DeCurtis and Ferrer (2011), applications are not meant to replace “the feel and sound of book pages turning, the sensation of applying a crayon to a piece of paper, or the satisfying crash of a tower of blocks smashing to the floor.” Instead, these applications are used to enhance therapeutic intervention methods. The speech-language pathologist is able to modify the application as a tool to help the patient meet his or her communication goals.
As we journey through our research and implementation, we will be sharing more information regarding the use of technology within our speech and language sessions.