Abstract
This paper reports on the activities of a speech rehabilitation group, based on the Health and Medical Service Law for the Elderly, in a small town in Kochi Prefecture and discusses the activities and future prospects of such groups. Speech rehabilitation groups play an important role for people with language disorders. The groups are sponsored and directed by local governments. They are therefore easily accessible to clients living in rural areas, even to those with severe physical handicaps. Moreover, the groups are able to cooperate effectively with other local community service and volunteer groups. However, in accordance with the Long-Term Care Insurance System which was introduced in the spring of 2000, activities based on the Health and Medical Service Law for the Elderly must be reorganized and the focus of speech rehabilitation groups may have to be changed. Speech therapists must endeavor to maintain the framework of the groups and at the same time develop alternative programs in response to the needs of people with language disorders in the community.
