FC in Maine: A Mid Year Update
Facilitated Communication in Maine, a joint initiative of the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, & Substance Abuse Services, and the Center for Community Inclusion provides outreach education, technical assistance, and information dissemination related to facilitated communication.
Since July, 1996 the project has delivered outreach education in the form of topical seminars on topics including motor planning, independence, and validation; a two day introductory workshop; and preparations are well underway for the New England FC Conference to be hosted by the project in May. Additionally, an advanced two day leadership workshop will be held in late May for individuals interested in becoming "trainers." Participants of the advanced workshop will receive a comprehensive curriculum guide on facilitated communication and instruction in its use. A commitment to participate in followup activities and evaluation will be required.
Technical assistance is also provided as a component of the project. Alan Kurtz, Project Coordinator, has provided technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, families, educators, adult service providers, higher education faculty. The focus of technical assistance has ranged from getting started with facilitated communication, moving to independence, designing a validation protocol, transitions, participation in statewide assessments, and accommodations for college coursework. Since July, technical assistance and support have been provided to more than 22 children and adults. We have found that follow up support, supervision, and consultation have been critical to assuring that FC is used appropriately and effectively by facilitators introduced to the technique at workshops. Others, from around the country have reached similar conclusions. The timeliness of these issues is reflected in the fact that they will be addressed in at least three presentations at the FC in New England conference in May.
Information dissemination occurs in a number of ways, most directly through this quarterly newsletter. Additionally, project staff regularly respond to inquiries from parents, educators, adult service agencies, and others, for information and research. For example, books and videotapes are provided throughout the state on loan.
A growing body of empirical research has demonstrated that many persons with developmental and related disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy can benefit from the use of facilitated communication. We have learned a great deal about the FC testing process and project staff have contributed to the expanding knowledge base in this area. The use of FC has led many professionals to look anew at previously conducted research in the area of neuromotor disturbance and we are pleased that Dr. Paul Hardy, a Boston neurologist, will present some of his findings at the conference in May.
This expanding research and the insight it gives us, combined with the information we continue to gather from FC users, families, researchers, and educators have important implications for the way we teach and support individuals who have difficulty communicating. If you are a Maine resident and are interested in learning more about the project and/or receiving technical assistance and support, please complete the attached request form and return it to Alan Kurtz, Project Coordinator.Ý
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.