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Article 4: Some Tidbits You Might Wish to Know

Did you know that ...?

Many centers with an AAC orientation began in the 1970s. Today, most centers and programs offer a broad range of assistive technology services, i.e., seating, access, communication, environmental control, mobility and assistance in educational, vocational and recreational areas. Why? Unless every attempt is made to provide integrated services and systems, "mistakes" are inevitable.

· In established AAC programs, data reveal that low tech solutions are recommended more often than high tech devices. Reported ratios vary from 3 or 4 to 1.

· There are more than 100 AAC devices on the market. (Note: See reference to Wall Chart on page 8 in original issue)

· More than 1,000 new assistive technology products are introduced every year.

· The shelf life of assistive technology is approximately 3 years.

· New equipment and maintenance may cost assistive technology centers an extra $10,000 per year.

· Equipment pooling is beginning to occur. The concept is a good one and should save our limited resources, i.e., keeping track of what has been purchased and trying to use available equipment rather than buying duplicates. However, it is not yet clear to what extent equipment pools will keep costs down because of the limited shelf life of assistive technology.

· Table II (not included) displays how monies were spent for some of the assistive devices purchased by the Government of Ontario, Canada. During 1989-90, AAC devices represented only 1.7% of the total money spent, which was $77.7 million (Canadian) on assistive devices. Although the average cost per person of a communication device was higher, it was not that much higher than seating or hearing devices. Persons with severe expressive communication disorders are a low incidence population! AAC users don't cost payers so very much at all!

This article appears in ACN Volume 4, # 6.

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