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The
Role of a Communication
Advocate
Many
users of augmentative
communication techniques
need help in maintaining
their augmentative techniques
and making them part
of their lives. It is
helpful to appoint one
person as a communication
advocate who assists
the user with these
activities.
It is important that
the advocate have a
relatively long-term
commitment (at least
a year) to the user.
The advocate may be
a professional, support
worker, a family member,
or a friend. Although
each advocate's role
varies according to
the needs of the user,
some typical responsibilities
are listed below. A
communication advocate
. . . .
- has
a good rapport with
the user.
- understands
all basic operations
of the augmentative
technique.
- provides
or monitors daily
maintenance of techniques
(for example, charging
the battery, loading
the printer with paper).
- makes
certain the technique
is always available
to the user.
- coordinates
any necessary programming
or updating of vocabulary.
- trains
significant others
in the environment
to use the technique
and interact with
the user effectively.
(This is an ongoing
process as new friends
or professionals become
involved with the
user.)
- regularly
obtains feedback from
the user and significant
others on how communication
is going.
- manages
routine and repair
servicing of the technique.
- obtains
upgraded software
as it is available.
- consults
the augmentative communication
specialist when new
communication needs
or problems arise.
©
1992 by Communication
Skill Builders, Inc.
/ 602323-7500 / Page
119 may be reproduced
for instructional use
/ Catalog No. 7735 (From:
Augmentative Communication
in the Medical Setting,
© 1992, by Kathryn M.
Yorkston, PhD., CCC-SLP)
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