title: Personnel roles in the AAC assessment process.
abstract: Completing an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment is a complex process that involves many stakeholders and professionals. To help clarify professional roles and provide assessment guidelines, an AAC Assessment Personnel Framework was developed. This framework was adapted from the work of Beukelman, Ball, and Fager in 2008, which focused on general AAC needs (not just assessment) and concentrated specifically on adults. In contrast, the present model examines the assessment process for all individuals who require AAC. The following AAC assessment personnel are discussed: AAC finders, general practice SLPs, AAC clinical specialists, facilitators and communication partners, collaborating professionals, AAC research and policy specialists, manufacturers and vendors, funding agencies and personnel, and AAC/assistive technology agencies and personnel. Current barriers for successful assessment outcomes are discussed, and suggestions for addressing personnel-related barriers are explored.
authors.affiliation: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. cbinger@unm.edu
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Binger
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Aimee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kent-Walsh
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lasker
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lund
authors.forename: Miechelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKelvey
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Quach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution* / Q000639:trends; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D000078329:Workforce