How did you benefit the most from the report and how did the report help you serve your clients?

It is.... One of the most important tools in my assessment as a communication specialist. Many of the communication specialists that work for VR do it in addition to a general population caseload, so it is not exactly our area of expertise.  The CA allows us to draw upon the expertise of someone who is an expert in the field of assistive listening devices and the world of work.  I feel so much more confident when I have the assessment report and can discuss with the client how their work environment, as well as, their lives will be enhanced by the ALD's in connection with their hearing aids.  It has made a huge difference in a person not just being able to work, but to also feel included in their work environment with their peers.

Another aspect of the report that I like is that we are able to do a more holistic assessment because the focus is not just on work, but on all aspects of the person's life.  We may not be able to authorize for ALDs that are not work related, but it is great to show the client that there are devices that can help them in other areas of their life.  All of my clients are excited to know that hearing loss does not mean a loss of activity or inclusion with family, friends, work or the community in general.

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Actually I use it for just everyone I see with a hearing impairment and it allows me to examine what specific problems they have.  After they get their aids I use it to re examine it and see if they have improvement in the problem areas.  I can then determine appropriate adaptive equipment.

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It helps me to assess the needs of the consumer. The information I get from the report is directly from the consumer's answers. The technology changes fast and there is so much out there that I could not possibly keep up on it with the other things I do. An example is the new cell phone technology.  I also think the report helps to identify the things that the consumer needs at home in order to work.                   

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I actually love using the Communication Reports because it helped me be sure of what ALD's an individual needed.  I would have an idea and then seeing the report and recommendations just verified my thoughts and often gave me other ideas that I hadn't thought of!  I also liked the explanations in the report and often used that in explaining the choices to my consumers.

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Your report gives suggestions with reasons why this person would benefit from assistant listening devices for work and home.  It is important that my clients function with confidence and adequately at their job and to feel safe at home.  I can order directly with your recommendations or talk with you, clarify, talk with the client and then order from you.  You give me good information that is valuable to serving my clients.