Communication Function Classification System

The CFCS

The Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) is a five-level classification system which began development at Michigan State University^{[1] [2]} and currently under development at the University of Central Arkansas. The research, organized and conducted by Dr. Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, Ph.D., CCC-A/SLP, follows two widely used classification systems for cerebral palsy: the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) ^[3]and the Manual Abilities Classification System (MACS)^[4]. Dr. Ray Kent of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dr. Peter Rosenbaum of McMaster University, and Dr. Nigel Paneth of Michigan State University are also an integral part of this research.

CFCS Variables

Design and development of the CFCS attempts to address a number of issues in cerebral palsy including a general lack of knowledge regarding the communication abilities of individuals with CP. The system is designed to be a quick and simple instrument used by a person familiar with the individual to be classified. Variables of communication ability used within the CFCS include sender roles (being able to communicate a message to someone), receiver roles (being able to understand a message from someone), pace of communication, and the degree of familiarity with a communication partner. The CFCS follows the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Purposes

Possible benefits of the CFCS include describing functional communication performance using a common language among professionals and laypersons and recognizing the use of all effective methods of communication including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The CFCS can be used clinically by parents and professionals to open-up discussions regarding how different communication environments, partners, and/or communication tasks might affect an individual’s CFCS level and to choose goals to improve the person’s communication effectiveness.

References

1. ^ Hidecker, M. J. C., Paneth, N, Rosenbaum, P., Kent, R. D., Lillie, J., Johnson, B., & Chester, K. (2008, March). Developing the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). Poster session presented at a Cerebral Palsy Research conference, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
2. ^ Hidecker, M. J. C., Kent, R., Paneth, N., Rosenbaum, P., Eulenberg, J.B., Fisk, J., Johnson, B., Bucrek, S. & Jones, R.S. (2007, November). Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Conference session presented at the annual conference of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Boston, MA.
3. ^ Morris C, Bartlett D. Gross Motor Function Classification System: Impact and utility. Dev Med Child Neurol 2004;46(1):60-5.
4. ^ Eliasson A, Krumlinde-Sundholm L, Rösblad B, et al. The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) for children with cerebral palsy: scale development and evidence of validity and reliability. Dev Med Child Neurol 2006;48:549-554.

External links

Mary Jo Hidecker, Current Research [1]
The Manual Abilities Classification System [2]