Distributing Expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention Through Codesign

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Education Sciences

Background:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventions traditionally emphasize client-family collaboration.
• However, many clinical practices adopt practitioner-centered models, prioritizing professional expertise over client perspectives.
• This can limit shared decision-making and the contextual relevance of interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how codesign can reframe AAC intervention by actively involving clients and families.
• To explore codesign's potential to shift power dynamics in the therapeutic relationship.
• To highlight how codesign can better align AAC tools and goals with user needs and identities.

Main Methods:

• This clinical focus article reviews existing research on codesign principles in health, education, and rehabilitation.
• It proposes a structural framework for implementing codesign within AAC intervention.
• The framework emphasizes client and family participation throughout the intervention process.

Main Results:

• Codesigned interventions foster shared decision-making and strengthen the link between therapy and real-world contexts.
• Codesign can empower clients and families, elevating their perspectives and needs.
• Evidence suggests codesign supports system development, goal setting, and the creation of personalized AAC tools.

Conclusions:

• Codesign offers a powerful approach to reframe AAC intervention, centering clients and families as co-creators.
• A proposed structure facilitates the application of codesign across all intervention stages, including system development and goal setting.
• Implementing codesign has significant implications for clinical practice, future research, and professional training in AAC.