City Hall Ballroom

Accurate assessment of language comprehension is crucial but is particularly challenging in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who have complex communication needs (CCN) and motor limitations. Formal assessment tools risk under-estimating the true language abilities of these children by requiring them to speak, point, or manipulate objects. Without a complete picture of language comprehension, prescribed Augmentative and Alternative Communication may not produce positive outcomes for children with CP who experience CCN and motor limitations, and may ultimately be abandoned.

The Computer-Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT) is the first standardized tool to evaluate language comprehension without requiring a spoken or fine motor response and fills a critical gap in assessments currently available in Canada. Children can access the C-BiLLT via a variety of access methods designed to capitalize on their particular skills and meet their diverse needs.

This session will introduce the C-BiLLT and share progress on the current investigation of the necessary conditions for implementing the C-BiLLT in Canada aiming to: (1) Understand end users’ assessment needs and perceived barriers to using the C-BiLLT, (2) Develop and test additional C-BiLLT access methods including brain computer interface (BCI), and (3) Develop training materials and resources to support Canadian families and clinicians.

3 Key Takeaways
1.    The C-BiLLT, a web-based assessment of language comprehension completed on a computer, may be useful for identifying the skills and needs of Canadian children with significant motor and speech limitations (i.e., complex communication needs), particularly those with cerebral palsy (CP). 
2.    Canadian research with clinicians and parents of children with CP is currently underway to identify the key barriers and facilitators to implementing the C-BiLLT in clinical practice contexts.
3.    Improved breadth and customization of access methods (e.g., addition of Brain Computer Interface) is one key facilitator to implementation of the C-BiLLT in Canada.
 

F. Aileen Costigan, Project Manager, Occupational Therapist, Western University
Jason Leung, Brain Computer Interface Designer, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
BJ Cunningham, Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathologist, Western University