Federal Commission Report Due
The Federal Commission on Facilitated Communication, a panel jointly commissioned by Bob Williams, Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, is about to release it's report.
The Commission received almost 500 responses to its call for research findings, information, and testimony regarding people's experiences with facilitated communication. The Center for Community Inclusion submitted an extensive report to the Commission reflective of our more than four years providing training and technical assistance activities related to facilitated communication. It is our understanding that the report is fair in its portrayal of some of the complexities and dilemmas associated with FC. We anticipate that the Commission's report will have a positive effect on the perception of FC and that it will promote serious discussion on a number of issues individuals and families continue to face.
The purpose of Facilitated Communication In Maine is to promote the appropriate use of facilitated communication through education, technical assistance, and support to people with disabilities, parents, educators, speech and language pathologists support providers, and other interested individuals. The project provides up-to-date information on current best practices, introductory and advanced workshops on the technique, resources regarding theoretical and practical components of facilitated communication and ongoing support to a network of resource persons who provide local education and support to other facilitators.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of pluralism, the University of Maine shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizen status, age, disability, or veterans status in employment education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. This publication is available on audiotape and upon request this material will be made available in other alternative formats to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.