title: An AAC personnel framework: adults with acquired complex communication needs.
abstract: A personnel framework designed to support people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) because of acquired medical conditions and those who assist them is described. The roles of AAC finders, general practice clinicians, AAC intervention specialists, AAC facilitators, and AAC experts are summarized. These roles are described in detail for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brainstem impairment, and severe chronic aphasia. The personnel preparation needs for each of these support personnel groups are identified.
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA. dbeukelman1@unl.edu
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Beukelman
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fager
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans