Aphasia rehabilitation and the role of computer technology: can we keep up with modern times?

Numerous computer applications have been developed specifically for aphasia rehabilitation. In this paper, the role of these computer programs is discussed in relation to three complementary treatment approaches in aphasia rehabilitation: disorder-oriented treatment, functional treatment, and participation-oriented treatment. Most of the programs available focus on disorder-oriented treatment and several studies have reported a beneficial effect on language skills. Nowadays, in the context of disorder-oriented treatment, these applications are indispensible to achieve an adequate treatment frequency of at least 2 hours per week. Computer applications aiming at functional and social participation goals are less well-developed. Several studies show that high-technology AAC can be used to support off-line communication. Moreover, it is reported that the AAC training has a positive effect on overall communicative functioning. In the near future, computer applications for interactive communicative training may become an important tool in aphasia rehabilitation. Theoretically, the internet offers excellent opportunities to improve social participation for people with aphasia, but reading and writing problems limit their access to the internet. So far, only a few initiatives have been reported to support and increase their access.