Electronic Communication Devices Scheme

Equipment Trial Guideline

  • We expect that a trial of the requested equipment be carried out and that the outcomes be detailed in the therapist’s report.
  • Lack of a trial will slow the approval process
  • A minimum two week trial is recommended for dynamic screen devices.

Why?

  1. To assess if the equipment will meet the client’s needs
  1. To assess features of the equipment such as size, weight, durability and ease of use.
  1. To assess whether the client’s team will be able to support the use of the equipment in everyday situations.
  1. To reduce the risk of device or equipment abandonment

Please note that it is strongly recommended that THERAPISTS CONSIDER AND EVALUATE A RANGE OF OPTIONS THAT MAY MEET THE CLIENT’S NEEDS.

Please consider more than one device, communication app or software program. This is important in increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome for the client.

Here are some factors to consider during a trial:

Communication Goals / Does the client want or need a voice output device? If so, how will the device complement the client’s current communication strategies?
In what contexts will the device be used and what will it allow the client to do?
(eg. talk on the phone, share news..)
How will the device support the person’s communication skills? (e.g allow text to speech, provide whole phrases, support language development..)
Durability / How durable is the device?
How will the device be protected from damage in the places where the person needs to use the device?
Portability / Is the device light and portable?
Can it be mounted securely without compromising safety (e.g. for wheelchair moibility)?
Operating the device / How will the client access the device?
How will it be securely positioned and transported?
Can the client turn the device on and off?
What support will the client need to operate the equipment?
Battery/charging / Is it easy to change batteries or plug in charger? Who will do this?
Volume / Can the client change the volume?
Is the device loud enough in group situations or noisy places?
Speech / Can listeners understand the speech?
Can you modify the voice and/or pronunciation?
Page design and language representation / Does the language representation method (e.g whole phrases, text-to-speech, semantic compaction etc.) meet the person’s needs and learning style?
How easily can the person navigate to desired pages and vocabulary?
Does the page design and vocabulary organization minimize the navigation load and support learning?
How easy is it to customize pages and vocabulary to meet the client’s needs?
Functional use / Did the client use the device communicatively during the trial?
Is there potential for independent use in the future, given support?
Who will support the client? / Who will provide ongoing support? (e.g. editing vocabulary, backing up content, supporting client to learn to use the device functionally, device maintenance and troubleshooting, training support people)
Comparison with other devices & final decision / How does it compare with other potential devices, software or apps?
Do you think the equipment will meet the needs of the client and their team and be used successfully in everyday situations?
Does it offer value for money?
This document is uncontrolled when printed, please refer to the Policies and Procedures Library for current controlled version
Policy Index: Customer/Electronic Communication Devices Scheme (ECDS) / Effective Date: 24/07/2017 (v4)
Responsible Manager: Kim Magee / Page 1 of 2