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AAC Centers of Excellence: Will they survive?

Economics is a backdrop against which we live our lives, do our jobs, and make decisions. Although money is not something most consumers, clinicians, educators, and engineers are comfortable talking about, at least not in public, it's a reality we cannot afford to ignore. There is a world-wide "recession", and it is influencing the delivery of services to persons with severe communication impairments.This issue addresses the survival of centers specializing in AAC:

• School districts are in crisis. Note: One at which I consult declared bankruptcy last spring!
• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers are "tightening their belts." Some are closing.
• Agencies and organizations mandated to provide services and equipment aren't doing it because they have "no money."

Delivering assistive technology, and in particular, AAC services, is not a Fortune 500 business. In fact, the "profit margins" look pretty bad, even when compared to traditional rehabilitation approaches. The bottom line? AAC services require a high level of expertise, expensive equipment, and lots of time. We can not afford to be naive. The cost to individuals, families, and society of not doing what AAC Centers are equipped to do can be devastating.

Click on the titles below to read the articles in this issue.

1. Effects of the Recession: Assistive technology centers specializing in AAC. Directors of several well-established programs in North America share experiences, insights and suggestions.

2. Rationing Health Care: How will AAC fare? Facing realities and becoming proactive to preserve assistive technology services and devices.

3. Turning "Mistakes" into Better Service Delivery. The importance of feedback.

4. Some Tidbits You Might Wish to Know. A few factoids about assistive devices.

5. Learning from the Great Apes: Language Research Center Atlanta, GA. A review of the four major areas of investigation.

6. References

7. Your Resources: A list of people who contributed to the issue

 

Please note: You may order a back issue of ACN Volume 4, # 6

containing all of the articles listed here by clicking on Ordering

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