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Undergraduates' perceptions of three augmentative and alternative communication modes
Donna Achmadi1, Larah van der Meer, Jeff Sigafoos
1School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington , New Zealand .
Undergraduates found speech-generating devices (SGDs) more intelligible and acceptable than manual signing or picture exchange. SGDs and manual signing were preferred over picture exchange, which was easiest to learn.
Area of Science:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) research.
- Human-computer interaction.
- Speech and hearing sciences.
Background:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses various methods to support individuals with communication impairments.
- Understanding user perceptions is crucial for the adoption and effectiveness of AAC technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate undergraduate students' perceptions of three distinct AAC modes: manual signing, picture exchange, and speech-generating devices (SGDs).
- To compare these modes based on intelligibility, ease of acquisition, effectiveness, acceptability, and user preference.
Main Methods:
- 104 undergraduates viewed video demonstrations of each AAC mode.
- Participants rated each mode on intelligibility, ease of acquisition, effectiveness/acceptability, and preference.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare ratings between the three modes.
Main Results:
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs) received significantly higher ratings for perceived intelligibility and effectiveness/acceptability.
- SGDs and manual signing were rated as more preferred compared to picture exchange.
- Picture exchange was perceived as significantly easier to acquire.
Conclusions:
- Speech-generating devices demonstrated greater social validity among undergraduates compared to manual signing and picture exchange.
- These findings highlight the importance of user perception in the selection and implementation of AAC strategies.
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