Why are speech generating devices returned?
Angela Guidera and Cathy Olsson
The Crippled Children's Association of South Australia Inc.
It is not uncommon for people who use speech generating devices to discontinue using these devices or to change to a different type of device. This may occur for a variety of reasons. Possible reasons include inappropriate prescription, unreliability of devices, lack of support, preference for other communication modes, an increase or decrease in clients' skills and availability of new, more suitable devices. Information about the common reasons for device returns is likely to assist with identification of service delivery changes that may be needed (eg. technical support, training of staff/carers). The Crippled Children's Association of South Australia (CCA) loans speech generating devices to many clients aged up to eighteen years. When returning communication equipment the organisation's Speech Pathologists are required to identify reasons for this. This presentation will outline the main reasons that have been identified for recent returns of speech generating devices from CCA clients. Implications for service delivery will also be discussed.