19. Which of the following school support personnel is best qualified to implement an assistive technology communication board for a student and train the teachers and family to work with the student on the device?
Answer: D
Speech-language pathologist is best qualified to implement an assistive technology communication board.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is specifically trained to address communication challenges and is therefore the most qualified to implement an assistive technology communication board for a student. They can effectively train teachers and family members to use the device to enhance the student's communication skills.
A) Occupational therapist
While occupational therapists focus on helping individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities, they do not specialize in communication strategies and devices. Thus, they may not possess the specific training needed to implement an assistive technology communication board effectively.
B) School counselor
School counselors primarily address emotional, social, and academic issues, but they do not have the training or expertise in communication technologies. As such, they are not suited for the implementation or training related to assistive technology communication boards.
C) Physical therapist
Physical therapists focus on improving physical mobility and motor skills, which does not encompass the communication needs that assistive technology boards address. Therefore, they are not qualified to implement or train others on these devices.
D) Speech-language pathologist
Speech-language pathologists have the specialized knowledge required for implementing communication aids, including assistive technology communication boards. They are trained to assess communication needs and provide the necessary support and training for effective use, making them the best choice for this task.
Conclusion
The speech-language pathologist stands out as the most qualified professional to implement an assistive technology communication board and train others in its use due to their expertise in communication disorders. The other options, while valuable in their respective fields, lack the specific training necessary to effectively support a student in this context.