engleski

Building National Capacity to support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as an Early Intervention Method for Children aged 0-8 years with Developmental Delay/Disabilities

One of the essential rights for the youngest children who have complex communication needs and cannot use standard means of communication is to have access to intervention and support mechanisms that improve communication, including the right to have access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and other assistive technology (AT) services and devices at all times (Communication Bill of Rights, National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities). All children with developmental delay/disabilities who are eligible for early intervention services should, where appropriate, be provided with AT as part of the individualized plan (IP). If interventions are required to aid in developmental tasks, such as interaction with the environment, communication or cognition, then Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and services should be considered. Trained professionals are essential for its proper use as well as for beneficiary training and follow-up. The high cost, limited availability and inadequate financing as well as widespread lack of awareness and suitably trained professionals has resulted in only limited access to AAC devices for children with disabilities. There is a need to increase awareness among decision makers and to create an enabling environment that will foster the creation of policy and legislative frameworks that will improve access to high quality affordable ACC devices and services. All mentioned above motivated UNICEF office for Croatia to establish partnership with the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences to provide technical assistances to the relevant organizations: (1) 31institutions/CSO from the health, education and social sector ; (2) Key stakeholders for setting up assistive technology service provision, especially ACC devices and services, for children aged 0-8 years. The main goals of the technical assistance programme are to: (a) Build the capacity of the healthcare, education and social institutions, and CSO through training on ACC and early childhood intervention concept, and (b) Increase awareness and knowledge among key stakeholders that will initiate national policy dialogue on creating assistive technology service provisions, standards and financing mechanisms related to access to ACC devices and services. The poster will depict the current status of the use of the AAC in Croatia as well as the goals and activities developed within the programme.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Assistive technology, Early Intervention

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