Disclosure of Resource Limits

When a person who relies on AAC is receiving services provided through a public school, rehabilitation center, or other service providing organization, there may be limits to the resources available. These limits may take the form of limited funding for the purchase of appropriate AAC systems or they may take the form of limited time, knowledge, skills, or interest on the part of the staff of the organization. Some limitations are the simple reality of fiscal responsibility. Regardless of the type of limits, these limitations can create conflicts with professionals being able to provide exemplary practices.

Resource limits of themselves are not necessarily worthy of judgment, but they should be openly acknowledged when other resources could be provided that offer better results. Since limited AAC service delivery may have a lifelong adverse impact on the individual, clear disclosure to all involved is recommended. Professional codes of ethics typically require that the interests of the individual being served should be held paramount when delivering services. Disclosure of resource limits provides a mechanism for professionals to comply with expected professional conduct rather than feel in a position of conflict. When resource limits and the impact of those limits are known to all involved, appropriate decisions can be made.

The AAC Institute Resource Limits Disclosure Statement can be used as a model for creating the statement appropriate for a given situation.

Resource Limits Disclosure Statement