VASTtx - Therapy Samples app for iPhone and iPad

“Therapy Samples” provides a selection of VAST videos that can be used to increase the efficiency and the effectiveness of speech therapy for motor speech disorders and/or non- fluent aphasia.

*** Important Note: This is a large application – please expect longer that average download times

As the name implies, this app provides a sampling of VAST videos that primarily support speech therapy for individuals with acquired apraxia and/or non-fluent aphasia. These are a small portion of a much larger and comprehensive motor speech program, but the app provides you or your clients with the opportunity to try the VAST program and to experience different levels of use. All of the videos contained in the app have been used extensively and successfully with stroke survivors.

The VAST™ videos involve receiving simultaneous visual and auditory input of precise oral movements, from professionally trained models, which have been recorded at a rate, rhythm and precision level that allows individuals with significant Broca’s type aphasia or Apraxia of speech to simultaneously produce oral movements for connected speech.

Treatment for acquired apraxia can be very difficult. The VASTtx series of apps provides speech language pathologists some innovative tools to use in therapy that are supported by decades of clinical experience. Speech professionals may incorporate these apps into their clients’ lesson plans, offering additional practice and support outside the clinic. The app also contains an instructional guide with recommendations for using this material as part of a speech therapy program.

The content and procedures contained in this app were developed by Darlene Williamson M.A, CCC-SLP, the founder and executive director of the Stroke Comeback Center. She brings more than 25 years of clinical experience, with specific expertise in motor speech disorders. The VAST program was developed and piloted under her direction. It has evolved over 3 years, through clinical trials and feedback from many other speech language pathologists.

These programs have produced extremely positive results, allowing individuals to speak full sentences, with a more natural rhythm than they would otherwise be capable of achieving. Furthermore, individuals with no prior experience or training have succeeded with this approach.
The app is divided into two sections:

BUILDING SPEECH – designed to help an individual both master the technique and build motor speech learning. In this section you will find a progression of videos that take the user from Basic speech patterns to full sentences.

USING SPEECH – contains a selection of connected speech videos that can be practiced, once the technique is learned, and used functionally. These videos may also give users ideas for using VAST videos in common functional situations.

Additional Features:
-Mirror: While not intended for use with the VAST videos, there may be a need or a preference to provide some visual feedback

-Written Text: In the USING SPEECH section, there is an option for written text on the screen.

-Tutorial Video

SpeakinMotion has spent considerable time developing the guidelines, tutorials and video material so that professionals and individuals can be successful using the VAST Key Words App.