Hi AT Listserv,

Here is a downloadable PDF checklist you can use in support groups, therapy or provide to patients as a resource. The Communication Checklist describes 7 communication abilities that people with ALS should expect to have at all stages of disease progression. Seven tangible goals are provided, for example "I can alert people in other rooms (or outside the home) when I have a need or emergency". These goals along with examples of how these goals can be met, included on the checklist, can help drive discussions that lead to solutions.

For SLPs: At the Forbes Norris ALS/MDA Research and Treatment Center, my clinical goals for patients are based on these 7 competencies which allow me to document my interventions and demonstrate progress on goals. Speech therapists can take a look at the ALS Functional Communication Scale and Measurement Tool which generate G-Codes and are ideal for note templates.

Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist

AmyandpALS.Com

Pinterest.com/AmyandPALS

Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
2324 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)600-3778