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Benefits of Computer Use
Integrating computers into therapy sessions provides many benefits:
It's Interesting, Practical, and Fun
The use of software, the Internet, and other devices is helpful because it maintains interest and avoids repetition and boredom. Computer use adds a different dimension to treatment for both the therapist and the client.
- Sessions can readily engage a client when the focus is on a particular interest, hobby, or current event.
- A creative therapist can work toward a wide variety of targeted goals, while the content relates to the client's area of appeal.
- Reading and writing practice can have real-life value when used with e-mail to friends and family.
- Practice using products which offer support for memory and organization can offer immediate daily guidance for real life situations.
- Practice can take the form of enjoyable games.
It Offers the Ability to Control Tasks
Technology provides feature flexibility and customizability at a level previously impossible. Some software provides the ability to finetune tasks to allow for incremental changes.
- It is now possible with some programs to customize the user interface and modify the feature set for each individual.
- In tasks involving following directions, the clinician can select whether there is auditory or written stimuli, or both. The number of critical elements provided can be selected. The number of foils and the type of feedback and criteria for moving to a more difficult level can be controlled.
- If the goal is to improve speech intelligibility, the selection of the target sound, its position within the word, the use of up-close videos of mouth movement, and the type of feedback can be selected. In addition, the ability to record the client's utterance, provide feedback on the accuracy of the speech, and use of sentence completion cues can be very effective.
It Gives Independent, Nonjudgmental, Immediate Feedback
Clients who may be defensive when a therapist or family member indicates that they provided an incorrect response may respond better when feedback is provided by a computer. It is often perceived as less personally threatening or controversial. Clients can benefit from the routine of the software and the predictable nature of the computer. When working with family members, this is not always the case. Also, it is possible to customize the type of feedback (auditory, visual or both) provided that will encourage continued participation.
Computers Promote Effective Independent Practice
Practice between sessions and frequent repetition is important for the carryover of new behaviors.
Computers can promote this new learning by:
- Enabling people to practice exercises or complete tasks many times
- Providing immediate feedback
- Freeing clients of the dependence on others to practice
- Making it easier for a "computer buddy" to assist with the assignment
It Maximizes the Effectiveness of Limited Treatment Sessions
Sufficient reimbursement from insurance companies and other third-party payers is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain; consequently, the number of visits has been slashed. Clients need an effective way to practice between sessions to maximize their independent progress. This enables the therapist to be freed up to work on other tasks during therapy that the computer cannot replicate. Visits can be scheduled further apart once a client can improve more on his or her own in order to maximize their productivity.
It Provides Solutions to Quickly Improve Quality of Life
Several computer-based applications can quickly provide compensatory strategies to greatly improve a variety of abilities.
Clients who have good auditory comprehension skills but poor reading comprehension skills may learn to use a screen reader in just one or two sessions. The computer will read aloud what they select. They may then be able to enjoy an online newspaper, read e-mail from a friend, or read bills or recipes scanned into their computer.
- Clients who have difficulty with visual skills such as quick localization or eye tracking may benefit from text-to-speech software which highlights each word as it is read.
- Individuals who are unable to write but who speak clearly and have good cognitive skills may benefit from voice-recognition software. It enables them to talk and have the computer type what they say.
- People who can write but have difficulty thinking of words and organizing written narrative may benefit from graphic organizers to help brainstorm and write coherent messages and documents.
- Word prediction technology and online dictionaries are helpful for people who have difficulty thinking of words.
- Clients who have problems keeping track of daily activities may benefit from handheld electronic organizers.
- People who have difficulty communicating basic needs may benefit from devices with which they can select pictures or words and have the computer speak for them.
Increased Profitability
Once treatment incorporates technological advances, more rapid progress is often observed. This increased client satisfaction generates new business and the ability to charge more for services. Administrators, investors, grant providers, and practice owners will be pleased with the increased revenue that is created.
Help Is Available When There Is a Shortage of Professionals
Computer-savvy professionals are often strapped for time because their skills are in such high demand. Clients can travel to experienced clinicians, receive a comprehensive assessment and a comprehensive technology-based practice program, and then work on their own to achieve their goals. After practicing on their own or with the help of another person, they can return to the clinician as needed for independent practice program changes and updates.
Technology Offers Control for Family
Technology provides a way for clients to independently continue therapy on their own at home. Family members who encourage this type of therapeutic carryover often feel empowered. Many people may feel too dependent on others if they believe their only option is to rely on the expertise of others. Many are not aware of the ways they can work at home to enhance the treatment.
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