The Empower Communication Board (ECB) enables individuals with communication challenges to participate in and direct their care throughout a medical encounter. The ECB concepts are field tested in a hospital setting by authors Jane K. Quarles, MS, CCC-SLP, and Melanie Wood, MS, OTR/L, ATP.
The ECB offers multiple overlay designs based on research to suit the cognitive, linguistic, and motor needs of the individual. It can be used as a single overlay to gain attention or answer yes/no/I don’t know questions. Or a combination of overlays can be used to deliver a more complex message. The convenient dry-erase page allows the patient or listener to write or draw items to ensure messages are understood.
Research supports the use of video modeling techniques to train communication partners. Staff, families, and friends can access an easy-to-use video tutorial via a QR code on the ECB. The video provides quick training at bedside as needed.