This session is developed by, and presenters invited by, Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders. Social media can support people with communication disability to access information, social participation, support, and their consumer rights. In 2020 and 2021, people increasingly used the Internet and social media for work, education, and to connect socially. However, people with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience challenges in using social media and rehabilitation professionals describe being inadequately prepared to support them in its use. In this session, the following will be discussed: 1) benefits and risks of online social relationships and social media use after ABI, 2) evidence of approaches and strategies to support social media communication skills training, and 3) an example of a bespoke online program to support people with ABI to use social media safely and enjoyably.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the benefits and risks of online social relationships and social media use after acquired brain injury
Discuss the complexities of addressing social media use during brain injury rehabilitation, including the use of social media as a speech-language pathologist
Explain where to find resources available to guide the incorporation of social media skills into collaborative social communication rehabilitation goals