Tools

The Tool Box can be accessed by selecting Tools in the left side menu. You will find tools for clinicians to target multiple speech, language, and cognitive goals for individual and group therapy. Unlike treatments, tools do not come with instructions and cannot be assigned to specific patients. They are meant to be flexible therapy aids for clinicians who prefer less structured activities that support generalization.

The following decks are available in the Tool Box:

1. GET TO KNOW YOU:

• Aphasia-friendly question deck with highlighted keywords and picture support
• Choose from 3 categories: Personal, Interests, Childhood Memories
• Great for building rapport and learning patients' interests for patient-centered care

Suggested use:

1. Practice speech strategies in reading short sentences
2. Address reading comprehension using simple WH-questions
3. Address auditory comprehension using simple WH-questions
4. Collect information to include in a memory book for patients with dementia

2. THREE THINGS:

• A question deck that asks you to list three abstract things personal to you

Suggested Use:

1. Practice learned speech strategies in self-formulated sentences
2. Target abstract verbal fluency
3. Encourage mental flexibility with multiple responses

3. CONVERSATION STARTERS:

• A question deck to encourage discourse in therapy
• Choose from 3 categories: Describe, Share a Memory, and “If” Questions

Suggested Use:

1. Practice learned speech strategies
2. Target high-level comprehension using prediction and inferential questions
3. Practice learned word-finding strategies
4. Address thought organization and topic maintenance
5. Implement strategies to maximize attention

4. DAILY LIFE SCENES:

• A picture deck with two categories: Leisure and Celebrations

Suggested Use:

1. Practice learned speech strategies in self-formulated sentences
2. Target auditory comprehension via WH-questions
3. Implement response elaboration training
4. Target concrete verbal fluency
5. Practice learned word-finding strategies at the sentence level
6. Address thought organization in conversation
7. Target deductive reasoning skills

5. Funny Scenes

• A picture deck to engage patients in therapy

Suggested Use:

1. Practice learned speech strategies in self-formulated sentences
2. Practice learned word-finding strategies at the sentence level
3. Target abstract reasoning skills using humor

6. PROBLEM SOLVING SCENES

• Choose from two categories: Safety and Everyday Problem

Suggested Use:

1. Practice learned speech strategies in self-formulated sentences
2. Implement response elaboration training.
3. Practice learned word-finding strategies at the sentence level
4. Address problem-solving and reasoning skills using the 4 R’s (recognize, reason, reflect, and resolve)
5. Address mental flexibility and decision-making skills