International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 20-23, 2003 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / The CCSDS recently developed the CCSDS File Delivery Protocol which can operate in configurations from simple point-to-point space/ground systems to complex arrangements of orbiters, landers, relaying spacecraft, and multiple ground facilities. An international interoperability test program has been developed in support of the development and fielding of the protocol. The first phase was successfully completed in the Fall of 2002. The second phase is to be completed about the time of the presentation of this paper. First phase testing involved five independent implementations of the Core Procedures of the protocol. Since these Procedures are for point-to-point file transfers, only two protocol “entities” were involved in each executed test. The second phase tests other Procedures, which involve multi-hop transferring of files. This phase will involve two separate, independent implementations, with one implementation being hosted on multiple hardware/OS platforms. Each test will involve three or more entities.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social interaction impairment, verbal and non-verbal communication deficit, and repetitive and restricted interests and behaviors. Individuals with ASD who have complex communication needs (CCNs), meaning they have impaired speech or language expression and/or comprehension that limit their social participation, can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, accessing AAC services in developing countries, such as Saudi Arabia, is limited due to the lack of professionals who can provide such services. Speech language pathologists (SLPs) are the main health practitioners who are responsible for assisting those with communication disorders, especially individuals with CCNs. The purpose of this study is to address Saudi Arabian SLPs' perceived competence in providing AAC technologies and services as well as to examine the relationship between their perceived competence and other factors, including education, clinical training, and experience. This study addresses three primary aims. The first aim is to describe the SLP participants’ background. The second aim is to collect data about SLPs' attitudes and perceived competence in providing AAC services to those with ASD. The third aim is to highlight whether education, training, and years of experience are related to SLPs' perceived competence in providing AAC interventions.