Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Center (RERC) on Communication Enhancement Project Logic Model
This is a graphic of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement (AAC-RERC) logic model describing the process of producing utilization outcomes through the various activities and outputs AAC-RERC is funded to conduct. The model was developed with technical assistance from the RUSH project.
Situation
- This RERC assists people who use AAC technologies in achieving their goals across environments.
Inputs
Human Resources:
- Staff
- Volunteers
- Advisors
- Experts
Institutional Resources:
- Facilities
- Budget
Contract Resources:
- Technical Support
- Experts
Activities
- Develop accessible web site focused on AAC
- Make presentations at appropriate conferences
- Develop newsletters focusing on clinically relevant information and informational AAC needs
- Develop journal articles focusing on technology transfer and research findings
- Provide an electronic discussion platform for AAC discussions
- Provide technical writing training/experience and employment-seeking supports
- Conduct web casts focusing on AAC issues, project activities, and AAC-related policies of interest
- Provide display and materials at AAC-RERC booth during national conferences and related events
- Develop periodic electronic newsletters tailored to identified needs of specific target systems
- Writers Brigade publications and products
- Tech transfer activities with AAC and AT industry
Outputs
- Web site
- Presentations at local, state, national, and international conferences
- Augmentative Communication news (Newsletter)
- Alternatively Speaking (Newsletter)
- Journal articles
- Electronic platform for stakeholder discussions (ACOLUG)\
- Writers Brigade Publications
- Web casts
- Booth at conference and AAC-related events
- Periodic e-newsletter
- New design features in new/ existing AAC technologies
Target Systems
- Individuals Who Currently Use AAC and their Families and Advocates
- Individuals Who May Benefit from AAC and their Advocates (not currently using AAC)
- Teachers and Rehabilitation Professionals Who May Support Use of AAC
- University Faculty and post-secondary students who teach/take courses related to AAC
- Manufacturers of AAC Technologies
- Developers of AT and Communication Technologies
- Other RERCs and State and Federal Policymakers Who May Influence Access to AAC Technologies and Services
Outcomes
Short-term
- Increase knowledge of clinically-relevant information regarding AAC
- Increase literacy, skills, and ability among sampled individuals who use AAC
- Expand awareness and understanding regarding benefits of AAC
- Increase skills in teaching/treating people who rely on AAC
- Expand awareness and understanding regarding innovations and technology in field of AAC
- Increase knowledge and motivations among manufacturers of AAC technologies, communications technologies, and policymakers to increase access of AAC technologies for people who can benefit from them.
- Increase knowledge and skills of teachers and rehabilitation professionals
- Increase awareness, knowledge-base of AAC among university faculty and students in education, engineering, rehabilitation, medicine.
Mid-term
- Increase use of AAC technology features developed as a result of AAC-RERC projects by those who can most benefit from them.
- New policies enacted by AAC manufacturers and policymakers encouraging increased use and availability of AAC technologies.
- Increase availability of technology for people who use AAC
- New policies implemented to increase access/awareness of AAC benefits among people who could benefit from AAC
- Increase self-advocacy and information sharing regarding benefits of AAC
- Increase use, adoption, and procurement of AAC by sample of target system
- Increase literacy, skills, and employment among sampled individuals who use AAC
- Increase in highly trained professionals that are knowledgeable about AAC and its use/benefits