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ACQ

uiring knowledge

in

speech

,

language and hearing

, Volume 10, Number 2 2008

73

Hickson, L., Worrall, L., & Scarinci, N. (2007).

Active

communication education (ACE): A program for

older people with hearing impairment

. Brackley, UK:

Speechmark Publishing Ltd; ISBN 978 0 86388 614 0;

94 pages; £31.50.

Chyrisse Heine

This book describes an aural rehabilitation program suitable

for use with older adults with hearing impairment. The book

is divided into a number of sections including an introduction,

six modules (containing session content and handouts) and

appendices.

The six-page introduction describes the research leading to

the writing-up of this program, the features of the program,

how sessions should be conducted, key communication

activities and outcomes of previous research.

The six modules describe the 6 x 2hr sessions recommended

for this program. Each module consists of a brief description

of the objectives, materials required and an outline of the

session. For example, one of the objectives in module 3 is “to

identify component skills necessary for better communication

around the house” (p. 37). The session outline for this module

includes “introductions” and provides participants with an

outline of the agenda, examples of communications situations

around the house, how and where to practise communication

skills, and finally, it discusses individual home situations.

Three handouts are provided at the conclusion of this session.

The appendices contain the ACE recruitment flyer, feedback

from previous participants and three outcome measures (a

modified version of the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement,

the International Outcome Inventory-Alternative Interventions

(IOI-AI) and IOI-AI for significant others).

Overall, this program is presented in a neat spiral-bound

book, and contains photocopiable sheets and a short but useful

reference list. The program reflects a strong evidence base

(trialled on 178 subjects in a controlled study, previously

reported on in numerous references provided at the back of

the book), although the inclusion of case study examples

would give clinicians guidance regarding application of the

program. The handouts are presented in a small font, which

might pose difficulties for those adults with visual loss.

Clinicians would need to adjust the print size so it is suitable

to individual client’s needs.

The ACE program is easy to administer and does not require

much preparation. It can be conducted by a variety of

professionals and appears to be especially useful for SLPs

working with clients with hearing loss in either the community

or nursing homes. The ACE program is definitely a

worthwhile resource to add to one’s collection.

Acknowledgement

Omitted from the article

The Early Language Milestone Scale - 2

published in March 2008 edition of

ACQ

: Katherine Osborne

wishes to acknowledge Dr Deborah James for her guidance

with the research and assistance in the writing up of the

manuscript.

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