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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