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Technology for Communicaiton and Cognitive Treatment. By: Joan L. Green, M.A. CCC-SLP
Innovative Speech Therapy
7731 Tuckerman Lane #206
Potomac, MD 20855
www.ittsguides.com $89.95
Technology for Communication and Cognitive Treatment: The Clinician’s
Guide is a comprehensive 
compilation
of technology resources arranged by disability categories and topics.
The book contains chapters devoted to the rationale for integrating technology
into speech-language therapy, hardware considerations, access issues and software
selection considerations. Many of the remaining chapters in the book are
devoted to specific disability categories and are titled “Treatment and
Technology to Improve: Verbal Expression; Auditory Comprehension; Reading
Comprehension; Written Expression; Cognition and Memory” respectively.
Each chapter contains a listing of products and software along with a description
of the features of the product and the conditions/deficits that the product
claims to address. Information regarding the manufacturer and product pricing
is also provided when applicable. There is also a chapter devoted to programs
that can be used to generate materials used in treatment such as picture symbols
and multimedia presentations as well as a chapter on freeware (software available
for free). The book finishes up with a summary of Internet communication
tools such as email, blogs and video connectivity followed by a listing of websites
providing disability related information.
While there is one brief chapter devoted to the topic of research, the information contained in the chapter is actually a listing of organizations that may be conducting disability specific research or serve as a clearinghouse for information, including research findings. What is absent from the entire book is any specific reference to any study showing that individuals made significant improvement in any area of disability as the result of using assistive technology as a speech-language treatment intervention. While the author wisely suggests to readers that the use of technology cannot replace clinical judgment, statements describing the use of technology as an effective means of therapeutic intervention are unsubstantiated.
Joan Green has undertaken a monumental task in assembling the information contained in this book. This guide can serve as a great resource for identifying products that may be useful to supporting the assistive technology needs of many individuals. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge on assistive technology products and options this book can serve as a great addition to your library of resources.
© 2007 ConnSENSE Bulletin