Clinical Computing Competency for Speech-Language Pathologists

How can computers help speech-language pathologists improve intervention and assessment? Now there are practical, nontechnical answers in one easy-to-follow book. You'll learn new ways of using computers to benefit the people you serve, and you'll discover ready-to-use strategies for making the most of computer technology. Paula Cochran, one of ASHA's leading computer experts, guides you through key competencies that help you

• use computers to improve the language and literacy skills of children and adults
• use computer-based materials to improve communication
• generate personalized clinical materials to enhance intervention
• supplement the feedback you give individuals with computer-based visuals or audio
• adapt computer access and maximize clinical use of handheld computers and Internet resources
• streamline diagnosis of communication disorders with computer-based instruments

To help you master the competencies, you'll find examples of clinical activities and extensive suggestions for matching current software to therapy goals. With the help of this timely guidebook, you'll harness the power of today's technology to conduct more effective assessment and intervention for people with communication disorders.

Note to instructors: Exercises and questions for discussion make this an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language pathology courses.

Paula S. Cochran, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is Professor of Communication Disorders at Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri. She received her bachelor's in English from the College of Wooster, a Diploma in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge, England, her master's in communication disorders from Ohio University, and her doctorate from the University of Virginia. In addition to clinical computing and assistive technology, Dr. Cochran focuses her teaching and research on child language development and disorders. Dr. Cochran had published and presented extensively about the clinical use of computes and how to effectively integrate computer-based activities in to teaching and intervention.

Christine L. Appert, Ed.D., ATP, is an assistive and instructional technology specialist and education consultant at the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia. She earned an educational specialist degree in learning disabilities and reading disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a doctorate from the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia. Her extensive experience in early childhood and special education had included classroom teaching and interdisciplinary diagnostics and rehabilitation. A credentialed Assistive Technology Practitioner, Dr. Appert presents frequently at professional conferences and teaches courses on instructional and assistive technology for pre-service and practicing special educators and speech-language pathologists.