Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2020 | Page 58

FEATURE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Breaking down the barriers to communication Carrie Sant reflects on the opportunity to expand her knowledge and understanding of communication in relation to adults with learning disabilities and autism, funded by the Elizabeth Casson Trust 58 OTnews February 2020 sector needs to ‘collaborate to innovate’, by working together and sharing ideas that will drive the innovation of assistive technology for people with disabilities. ‘The potential to develop ideas in partnership with manufacturers and suppliers was highlighted and the complexities of this discussed,’ she says, ‘and this exploration has given me the confidence to further discussions I was already involved in with specific companies around contributing to the development of current products to meet the needs of our service users.’ She goes on: ‘An afternoon workshop in selecting, using and progressing with switches furthered participants’ knowledge of the range of switches that can be used with communication aids, environmental controls, and other technology, as well as expanding awareness of the range of factors that need to be taken into consideration, for example, the long term availability of some products if they need to be replaced.’ Carrie concludes: ‘The conference allowed me the opportunity to network with both suppliers and other professionals, including other occupational therapists practising in the field, with whom I will be able to share expertise and best practice in the future. ‘I was able to gain access to free trials of products, which will support my research and development within my role, as well as meet new contacts and see alternative products to those I was previously aware of. ‘Whilst there are a growing number of occupational therapists practising in the field of communication, my role within FitzRoy as the assistive technologist, remains unique. ‘Attending this conference has been a valuable continuing professional development opportunity, which will support my development.’ Carrie Sant, assistive technologist, Central Support, FitzRoy. Email: [email protected]. For information on the Elizabeth Casson Trust and how it supports occupational therapists visit: https://elizabethcasson.org.uk L ast September, Carrie Sant attended the Communication Matters conference at the University of Leeds, funded by the Elizabeth Casson Trust, in relation to her role as an assistive technologist for FitzRoy, a national charity for people with learning disabilities and autism. ‘Attending the keynote lecture, exhibition, sessions and workshops throughout the day allowed me to further enhance my knowledge and understanding of various aspects of communication in relation to the people I support – adults with learning disabilities and autism,’ she explains. ‘Karen Erickson, a highly regarded speech and language therapist, delivered the keynote address and highlighted the value of literacy within the pathway of learning to communicate, and in particular, using a communication aid. ‘For many of the people with whom I work, this poses a significant barrier, as many people with learning difficulties have lower levels of literacy. Karen identified that the use of finger spelling for those who sign or the use of a keyboard for those who use augmentative and alternative communication allows them to expand their vocabulary beyond the core words we use with them regularly.’ She adds: ‘I have been caused to reflect on how this can be overcome for adults with learning disabilities who may find it difficult to access language in this way and the barriers this will present in their ability to express themselves. ‘For example, in choosing which activities they would like to participate in, or how, if they only have access to the options with which we provide them. ‘In future assessments and conversations with staff and the people with support, I will give much greater consideration to the opportunities we provide for the people we support to expand and vary their vocabulary to meet their needs to express themselves to us, and how this can be improved upon.’ Carrie reflects on another valuable session, that was delivered by specialists from the ACE Centre, who discussed how the