Collaboration, Accessibility & Ethical Practices Flashcards

A school district argues that a student does not need an AAC device because the student uses natural speech sometimes. This reasoning:

Answer: Is flawed because AAC can supplement inconsistent or unclear natural speech

AAC does not replace natural speech; it supplements communication when natural speech is insufficient or unavailable.

Which practice BEST demonstrates ecological validity in AAC assessment?

Answer: Observing the AAC user in their natural environments such as home, school, and community

Ecological validity is achieved by observing communication in the real-world environments where the AAC user lives, learns, and plays.

When an AAC provider suspects that a non-speaking client is experiencing abuse, the ethical and legal obligation is to:

Answer: Report the suspicion to the appropriate child or adult protective services agency

Mandatory reporting laws require clinicians to report suspected abuse; this obligation supersedes confidentiality.

Participation model assessment in AAC identifies two types of barriers to communication. These are:

Answer: Opportunity barriers and access barriers

The participation model distinguishes between opportunity barriers (policy, practice, attitude) and access barriers (capability and constraints of the individual).

An SLP working in a rural area finds that a client's insurance denied coverage for a recommended AAC device. The MOST proactive ethical response is to:

Answer: Assist the client in filing an appeal and explore alternative funding sources

Advocacy includes helping clients navigate funding appeals and alternative sources such as Medicaid waivers, grants, or nonprofit organizations.

Which principle guides the practice of 'presuming competence' in AAC?

Answer: Every individual has the potential to communicate and should be provided appropriate supports

Presuming competence means providing AAC access and robust language opportunity regardless of assumed cognitive or communication limitations.

When developing a workplace accommodation plan for an employee who uses AAC, the AAC specialist's MOST important role is to:

Answer: Collaborate with the employee, employer, and HR to identify practical and effective communication solutions

Effective workplace AAC accommodation requires collaborative planning that integrates the employee's needs with the practical realities of the work environment.