Explore the following articles and resources and review the case study and video. In your group, discuss the following questions:

1. What aspects of a person's functioning would an occupational therapist need to take into account when assessing a child's ability to use an augmentative communication system? The term augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) does not necessary involve the use of technology. What kinds of non-technology based AAC is there? Perform an internet search to assist you in identifying these other modes of communication.

2. How does seating configuration and placement of an AAC technology device impact on a person's ability to use the device. What aspects of seating and AAC device placement are important to consider?

3. Choose a province or two in Canada, and explore how funding is distributed to a child with disabilities in the public education system through an internet search.

4. Perform an internet search to discover symptoms of cerebral palsy. Specifically explore the terms hypotonia, spasticity, and athetosis. What is athetoid cerebral palsy? What distinguishes athetosis from spasticity, or hypotonic features? Can a person with CP have mixed features? How would this impact on their ability to function in everyday occupations? Why would Nicholas find it difficult to use an AAC device such as the AlphaTalker?