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Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Non-electronic communication aids for people with complex communication needs.
Teresa Iacono1, Katie Lyon, Denise West
1Communication Resource Centre , Scope, Melbourne, Australia. t.iacono@latrobe.edu.au
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|June 30, 2010
Summary
Non-electronic communication aids are in high demand but underfunded, with research prioritizing electronic options. More focus is needed on non-electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to meet user needs.
Area of Science:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Assistive Technology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Non-electronic communication aids are a vital form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with complex communication needs.
- Despite significant demand, research and funding have predominantly favored electronic AAC systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore non-electronic communication aids as an AAC option.
- To investigate the challenges associated with non-electronic AAC provision and research.
Main Methods:
- Review of funding for AAC systems.
- Analysis of data from an Australian pilot project on non-electronic communication aids.
- Audit of published studies on aided AAC (2000-2009).
- Discussion of relevant review literature.
Main Results:
- High demand exists for non-electronic communication aids, yet funding schemes prioritize electronic AAC.
- Funding often fails to cover total device costs and lacks provision for essential speech-language pathology support.
- Pilot data revealed demand patterns for non-electronic aids, suggesting factors influencing selection.
- Research literature disproportionately focuses on electronic AAC, including intervention studies and outcome research.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical gap between the demand for non-electronic communication aids and their current research and funding landscape.
- Limitations in outcomes research and appropriate measurement hinder the selection of AAC systems tailored to individual needs.
- Further research and equitable funding are necessary to support non-electronic AAC options.
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