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Views of young people using augmentative and alternative communication systems
M Clarke1, H McConachie, K Price
1Institute of Child Health, The Wolfson Centre, Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1N 2AP, UK.
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Children using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems prefer one-to-one therapy targeting specific skills. User feedback highlights operational and self-image issues impacting AAC system satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Assistive Technology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are crucial for children with physical impairments lacking intelligible speech.
- Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in England and Wales typically support AAC skill development.
- Understanding user perspectives is vital for effective AAC service provision.
Observation:
- Interviews with 17 children and 6 young adults using AAC explored their views on therapy organization and AAC systems.
- A symbol-based interview tool was developed to facilitate expression of complex ideas by children with AAC.
- Participants had communication aids with at least 20 symbols/pictures/words and understood at least two-word level requests.
Findings:
- Most children found their AAC systems useful, but negative attitudes stemmed from operational difficulties and self-image concerns.
- Children and young people preferred individualized, one-to-one therapy focusing on linguistic and operational skills.
- A gap exists between therapists' preferred models and users' desired therapy structure.
Implications:
- Individualized and user-centered design of AAC systems can improve school-based usage and overall effectiveness.
- Incorporating service user feedback into planning and evaluation is essential for optimizing AAC services.
- Addressing operational challenges and self-image issues is key to enhancing user satisfaction with AAC.
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