For children with communication disorders, a UF group offers promise
In recent decades, assistive technology for children with communication disorders has grown exponentially — everything from iPad apps to eye gaze-enabled tracking devices.
But a learning curve remains, both educational and social, for children with limited verbal abilities.
The University of Florida is helping fill that gap with a weekly group at UF Health Pediatric Rehab – Magnolia Parke in Gainesville.
Last fall, children ages 4 to 10 met with their families and UF student mentors to learn how to use augmentative and alternative communication devices. Their medical diagnoses include autism, cerebral palsy, and genetic conditions and neurological disorders that affect their speech. It’s the only group of its kind in the Alachua County area.
“It was a great experience to work on (the devices) with patients and see how they’d use them in real-life settings,” said Fiona Fulling, a second-year student at UF who is pursuing a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders in UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions. “Being able to adapt to what doesn’t work and change course is important.”
Fulling was among 32 UF students who worked individually with the first cohort of children last fall from September to November. A second cohort starts this summer.