The Shock Trauma Center of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems instituted a comprehensive speech-language pathology program to provide acute intervention for communicative disorders in a critical/intensive care environment. This article provides a profile of the Center, a review of communicative impairments, and examples…

This article describes a current pilot program of the Albuquerque (New Mexico) schools for twice exceptional students (i.e., gifted students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and/or communication disorders) in grades 9 through 12. Three program components will be implemented over the next three years: (1) transition plan, (2)…

Several members of the emerging augmentative and alternative communication profession held a meeting at Purdue University in August 1987. Issues addressed included: public policy; documentation of the field; and such service provision issues as candidacy for service, communicative competency, focus of intervention, and intervention strategies.…

Offers speech-language clinicians a framework for team decision making and service delivery by encouraging speech-language pathologists and their colleagues to consider the unique combination of providers, activities, and contexts (PACs) necessary to meet the specific needs of each individual with a communication disorder. Sample cases involving…

Research and clinical experience both indicate that parents are excellent observers of communication in their children who rely on augmentative and alternative communication. However, parents and professionals may find themselves in conflict about how to interpret and support children's communication. This article outlines strategies for…

The final report describes a 3-year project to train speech language pathologists and audiologists to deliver services to young children (birth to age 5) with communication disorders. Specific project objectives included (1) provision of basic and applied information to pathologists and audiologists through coursework and practical experiences;…

A survey was conducted in Victoria, Australia, to collect data concerning the prevalence of individuals with severe communication impairments. Based on the data gathered from 1100 service facilities, the Severe Communication Impairment Outreach Project was established. Funding was acquired to employ two statewide consultant speech pathologists…

One component of the final report of a 3-year project to train speech language pathologists and audiologists to deliver services to young children (birth to age 5) with communication disorders, the paper describes the academic curriculum and practicum experiences developed by the project. The report is structured around the following aspects: (1)…

One component of the final report of a 3-year project to train speech language pathologists and audiologists to deliver services to young children (birth to age 5) with communication disorders, the paper describes the project's model of multidisciplinary team interaction involving parents as integral to team function. The program stresses the…

This cooperative report of seven associations of special educators and related professionals provides guidelines for using a paraprofessional service delivery model in providing speech language services in educational settings. It identifies three levels of paraprofessionals, recommends requirements for each level, and addresses activities outside…

This paper describes services provided to students with language disorders (grades K-12) in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta (New South Wales, Australia). The Communication Program has provided itinerant services of communication specialists (speech pathologists and itinerant teachers) to more than 1,100 students with language disorders.…

Describes factors leading to the recent statewide introduction of speech-language paraprofessionals called speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) in Kentucky's public schools. Also describes the licensure model, requirements for SLPA licensure, and the scope of practice associated with the position. Reports results of a survey indicating…

The article presents general information on the history, cultures, and languages of the major Asian/Pacific immigrant and refugee groups. Knowledge required to become a cross-cultural communicator is outlined, including professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes; knowledge of cultures, languages, and discourse styles; and knowledge of family…

This report describes the development of a community-based service for the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication strategies with regard to children with severe disabilities in South Africa. The intervention process was developed by the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication of the University of Pretoria. The…

One component of the final report of a 3-year project to train speech language pathologists and audiologists to deliver services to young children (birth to age 5) with communication disorders, the paper describes the parent education practicum model developed by the project. The underlying philosophical foundation of the training was to adapt to…