Directions for inclusive AAC research: a scoping review focused on adults with cerebral palsy

Traditionally, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) research has been led by researchers without lived experience using AAC. However, it is important to include AAC users as equitable partners to ensure that research addresses their priorities. This scoping review aimed to identify the extent and nature of AAC user involvement in research focused on adults with cerebral palsy (CP) who use AAC. A systematic search identified 57 data-based studies from the last 22 years that focused on adults with CP who used AAC. Seven (12%) of those studies involved at least one AAC user in at least one research process (conceptualization of the problem, design of study materials and procedures, implementation of the study, data analysis, or dissemination of results). The studies provided examples of advisory, collaborative group, and people-led approaches to involve AAC users in these research processes. Most of the studies utilized qualitative methods (n = 5), although there were also examples of survey (n = 1) and intervention (n = 1) research. Strategies from these studies, along with supporting literature, offer practical guidance for involving AAC users in all stages of future research. Building on these insights, this review outlines future directions for advancing inclusive research.