Guidelines for Purchase of Services and Assistive Devices for Individuals with Communication Disorders. University Affiliated Program. Revised.

The guidelines provide a statement of principles from the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology which takes into account changes in state programs and the rapid and expanding technology of the hearing aid industry. The first section provides guidelines for the purchase of services for the individual with a communication disorder in the following areas: referral of individuals with communication disorders; assessment and eligibility; delivery of services (qualifications of personnel, supervision, consultation, quality assurance, standards); physical facilities, equipment, and calibration; program procedures (interdisciplinary coordination and reporting/recordkeeping); and prosthetic systems for individuals with communication disorders. The next section gives definitions of 13 key terms (such as assessment, communication disorder, and identification). Guidelines for the selection of augmentative communication systems cover planning for an effective and efficient system; eligibility; service delivery (identification, assessment, communication needs, facilities, program procedures, communication prostheses, funding). Seven additional definitions are provided. Guidelines for assistive listening systems consider hardwire systems, FM auditory systems, alerting devices, telephone assistive devices. The final section contains guidelines for the selection and purchase of hearing aids with suggestions for preselection evaluation, selection, fitting, and the purchasing plan. Also briefly noted are implantable prostheses. (DB)