Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Practical Methodology of Cognitive Tasks Within a Navigational Assessment
Published on: June 1, 2015
Roles of aided communication: perspectives of adults who use AAC
Martine M Smith1, Isobel Connolly
1Clinical Speech & Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. mmsmith@tcd.ie
Purpose:
The study described here explores the perspectives of adults who use augmentative and alternative communication in relation to their use of aided communication. The aims were to describe the supports available to adults using aided communication, their views on the role(s) they assigned to aided communication within their total communication systems and the factors they identified as affecting their use of aided communication.
Method:
Eighteen adults with cerebral palsy who use aided communication were surveyed using questionnaire-based interviews exploring the range of services available to them and the relevance, importance and meaning they assigned to communication devices.
Results:
Overall, participants expressed positive views about aided communication. Although all identified many unaided modes of communication as being important, most participants ranked aided communication among their primary modes. Use of aided communication was reported to be influenced by communication partners, but also by device features, with major concerns about reliability emerging.
Conclusions:
Factors affecting the integration of aided communication are complex. For many adults, lack of key supports, including availability of communication partners restrict the contexts and extent to which aided communication is used. The comments from the participants highlight the need to develop services for adults who use aided communication.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:30Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this barrier...