Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

This study examined the assessment and prescriptive practices used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) efforts throughout the country. Project Directors (N=50) of projects funded under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act were surveyed. The survey instrument was designed to assess Project Directors' knowledge of AAC assessment and prescriptive practices, focusing particularly on the extent of family involvement in existing high-technology AAC assistive technology prescription practices for children, (ages birth to 3 years) with disabilities. A total of 40 surveys were returned. Information was obtained on: (1) service provided during and subsequent to the AAC assessment process; (2) the role of families; (3) general factors considered during evaluation; (4) family issues; (5) child characteristics; (6) technology characteristics; and (7) service system characteristics. Analysis indicated that family issues are considered by many states in AAC assessment processes, though to a lesser extent than more traditional factors such as child, technology, and service system characteristics. Seven tables detail study findings. (Contains 96 references.) (DB)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert