title: Alternative service delivery models for families with a new speech generating device: Perspectives of parents and therapists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research has revealed limitations in the provision of in-person services to families with a new speech generating device (SGD), both in Australia and overseas. Alternative service models such as parent training, peer support and telepractice may offer a solution, but their use with this population has not been researched to date.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using interviews and focus groups, this study explored the experiences and opinions of 13 speech-language pathologists and seven parents regarding alternatives to in-person support and training for families with a new SGD. Data were analysed using grounded theory. Themes explored in this paper include the benefits and drawbacks of alternative service models as well as participants' suggestions for the optimal implementation of these approaches.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants confirmed the utility of alternative service models, particularly for rural/remote and underserviced clients. Benefits of these models included reduced travel time for families and therapists, as well as enhanced information access, support and advocacy for parents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants viewed the provision of ongoing professional support to families as critical, regardless of service modality. Additional issues arising from this study include the need for development of organizational policies, resources and training infrastructure to support the implementation of these alternative service models.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney , Lidcombe , Australia.
authors.forename: Kate Louise
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balandin
authors.forename: Roger James
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Stancliffe
mesh_terms: D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); service delivery; telepractice