Supported Communication

It may be obvious that a communication deficit reaches beyond the person with the deficit, but as a clinician, how are you addressing these far-reaching issues?  One way to assist your client is to provide instruction to his/her primary communication partner.  Teach the partner what you are doing in therapy; what a cue is, when to provide it, what cues are beneficial for your client? Within your session, have the communication partner work on speaking slowly, speaking in simple and short phrases, using gestures, and allowing time for the client to process information.  By allowing the communication partner learn these skills as you are working with the client, you are empowering both individuals and allowing for more independent communication.
Here is a link to a book that provides more information on supported communication.