Issues Affecting Staff Enhancement of Speech-Generating Device Use Among People with Severe Cognitive Disabilities

This paper focuses on the role of human service staff when supporting individuals with severe disabilities who use speech-generating devices (SGDs) for functional communication. Following a brief overview of research that demonstrates the efficacy of SGDs within this group, a summary is provided of skills staff require to help ensure that individuals with severe disabilities have opportunities to use SGDs in effective ways. A competency- and performance-based training model (based on adult learning principles) which has evolved through applied research is discussed in relation to providing relevant skills training. An applied research-based model for supervising and monitoring staff performance of SGD-related duties and responsibilities is also presented. Directions for future research, aimed at further enhancing the capacity of human service personnel to support people with severe cognitive disabilities in using SGDs, are noted.