Promoting Augmentative and Alternative Communication-Induced Language Recovery in Chronic Aphasia (PAIL-RcA): Theoretical Construct, Method, Protocol, and Treatment Resources.

Purpose: The purpose of this tutorial is to provide a how-to so that clinicians can successfully implement augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as a dual-purpose tool, one that successfully and simultaneously compensates for communication breakdowns and facilitates language recovery. Moreover, readers will understand two key principles of neuroplasticity as they apply to AAC implementation for people with aphasia (PWA), as well as the theory of intersystemic reorganization, by way of a novel treatment, Promoting AAC-Induced Language-Recovery in Chronic Aphasia (PAIL-RcA).

Method and procedure: Readers are provided a step-by-step overview of PAIL-RcA, as well as data sheets, cueing hierarchy, a family handout and prompt guides detailing how to successfully implement PAIL-RcA.

Conclusions: PAIL-RcA is a novel AAC treatment for PWA that is theoretically driven, manualized, and proven feasible with freely available resources for clinical implementation. Although PAIL-RcA was developed for storytelling and is highlighted for use on an iPad, we encourage adaptation for implementation across a variety of AAC systems and communication purposes.