scholarly journals Use of consumer wireless devices by South Africans with severe communication disability

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Bornman ◽  
Diane Nelson Bryen ◽  
Enid Moolman ◽  
John Morris
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Equal Opportunity ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Wireless Devices ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Disabilities

Background: Advancements in wireless technology (e.g. cell phones and tablets) have opened new communication opportunities and environments for individuals with severe communication disabilities. The advancement of these technologies poses challenges to ensuring that these individuals enjoy equal access to this increasingly essential technology. However, a paucity of research exists. Objectives: To describe the nature and frequency with which South African adults with severe communication disabilities have access to and use wireless devices, as well as the types of activities for which wireless devices are used. Method: Survey research was conducted with 30 individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology using the Survey of User Needs Questionnaire developed in the United States, and localized to the South African context. Results: All participants, despite their limited education, unemployment and low economic status, owned and/or used mainstream wireless devices. Slightly more than half of the participants (53.3%) needed adaptations to their wireless devices. Advantages of using wireless devices were highlighted, including connecting with others (through using text messaging, social networking, making plans with others, sharing photos and videos with friends), for leisure activities (e.g. listening to music, watching videos, playing games), and for safety purposes (e.g. to navigate when lost, using the device when in trouble and needing immediate assistance). Conclusion: These wireless devices offer substantial benefits and opportunities to individuals with disabilities who rely on AAC in terms of independence, social participation, education and safety/security. However, they still do not enjoy equal opportunity to access and use wireless devices relative to the non-disabled population.

Family Leisure as a Context to Support Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for Young Children with Complex Communication Needs

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 313-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Mandak ◽  
Krista Wilkinson ◽  
Tara O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Family Leisure ◽  
Communication Partners ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Families With Children

AbstractFamilies are often the most significant communication partners for children who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Because family-centered approaches are recommended practice in speech-language pathology, a primary role for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serving children who require AAC is to support families in integrating communication into highly valued, existing family activities. Family leisure activities can provide a naturally supportive context for AAC, because they provide multiple opportunities for children to interact and practice using AAC with natural communication partners. This article aims to guide SLPs in utilizing family leisure as a context for AAC intervention. We describe the benefits and constraints of engaging in leisure for families with children with disabilities. We define family leisure, which includes two distinct types of leisure activities: core and balance. Finally, we provide a case example of a family that highlights the integration of AAC into both types of leisure activities.

Assistive Technologies at the Edge of Language and Speech Science for Children with Communication Disorders

2016 ◽  
pp. 996-1019
Author(s):  
Joséphine Anne Genèvieve Ancelle
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Disorders ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Therapy Room ◽  
Speech Science

About two million individuals in the United States use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices with text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis to speak on their behalf. In this chapter, two specific systems are introduced and evaluated as potentially significant emerging tools for children with communication disorders. The VocalIDTM project was developed to provide unique voices for children who otherwise speak through standard adult voices. Free SpeechTM is an image-based system designed to address grammatical concepts perceived as abstract by children with language disorders. This chapter also reviews the latest developments in electropalatography (EPG): biofeedback technology, which enables the visualization of tongue to palate contact during speech production. SmartPalateTM has developed cutting-edge hardware and software technology to make EPG more intuitive and more accessible in the therapy room and at home.

scholarly journals Clinical Reasoning Skills in AAC Intervention Planning: Investigating the Expert-Novice Gap

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Sauerwein ◽  
Jane Wegner
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Reasoning ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
The United States ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Intervention Planning ◽  
Reasoning Skills ◽  
Expert Novice ◽  
Clinical Reasoning Skills

Clinical reasoning skills underlie the decisions speech-language pathologists (SLPs) make during practice. Although clinical reasoning is included in speech-language pathology accreditation standards in the United States, there is limited research on preservice SLPs’ development or use of clinical reasoning skills. Because clinical reasoning skills specific to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service provision have not been identified or reported in depth, this qualitative study focused on two cases of children with developmental disabilities who used AAC systems. Eight novice (i.e. preservice) SLPs and eight expert SLPs completed think-aloud tasks while they developed intervention plans, which made their clinical reasoning skills observable. Responses were transcribed for qualitative analysis. Six clinical reasoning skills were identified: summarizing, interpreting, hypothesizing, rationalizing, comparing and deferring. Expert and novices used four of these clinical reasoning skills similarly; however, there were differences among the remaining two skills. Novices deferred more frequently during the tasks and were limited in their ability to make comparisons to the fictional cases as compared to the experts. The expert-novice gap in clinical reasoning presents implications for teaching preservice SLPs in the classroom and the clinic.

Preliminary Investigation of the Perspectives of Parents of Children With Cerebral Palsy on the Supports, Challenges, and Realities of Integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication Into Everyday Life

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 238-254
Author(s):  
Tara O'Neill ◽  
Krista M. Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Effective Interaction ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Environmental Controls ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

Purpose To ensure long-term adoption and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies, they must be designed to support children to participate within everyday activities and routines that are prioritized by families. The aim of this study was to gain parent perspectives on how AAC technologies were integrated into everyday life. Method Nine parents of children with cerebral palsy who used AAC technologies participated in semistructured interviews to provide their perspectives on how AAC technologies were integrated into the functional contexts of everyday life. Results Five major themes emerged from the discussions: (a) integrating AAC into life, (b) AAC technologies, (c) child needs and skills, (d) parent responsibilities and priorities, and (e) AAC process and decision making. Children were able to use AAC technologies within a variety of everyday contexts with various partners; however, challenges included access to technologies within care routines and outdoor activities as well as partners who lacked knowledge regarding operational competencies and effective interaction strategies. To integrate AAC technologies into life, parents prioritized technology features including ease of programming, improved physical design, features to enhance efficiency and ease of access, and availability of multiple functions and features (e.g., games and leisure activities, environmental controls). Conclusion AAC manufacturers and mainstream technology developers should work to ensure that technologies are responsive to the supports, limitations, and ideal features identified by parents. Future research should seek input from a larger group of stakeholders and use longitudinal methods to examine perceptions of AAC technologies over time. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11625543

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Course Design and Features: A Survey of Expert Faculty and Instructors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Allison M. Sauerwein ◽  
Mackenzie M. Burris
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Course Design ◽  
The United States ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Language Pathology

Purpose Multiple surveys have been used to investigate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) coursework offered in speech-language pathology programs in the last 3 decades. These studies primarily explored the availability of AAC courses and reported a limited number of course characteristics. Because few studies to date have specifically examined the AAC course design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the design and features of AAC coursework, such as learning objectives, course content, assignments, and readings and resources, currently taught in the United States. Method An online survey was developed and distributed to faculty or instructors with AAC expertise associated with 265 speech-language pathology programs in the United States. A total of 64 surveys were completed for a response rate of 24.2% (64/265). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to evaluate the survey data. Results Patterns are reported related to a number of course design elements and features, including enrollment, course delivery, learning objectives, content, case-based instruction, assignments, in-class activities, and readings and resources. Conclusions This study reports the design and features of AAC courses presently taught by faculty and instructor experts in the United States. The results have direct implications for faculty and instructors who teach AAC coursework and provide state-of-the-art information needed for continuous improvement of AAC preservice education. Resources and considerations are provided for scholarly teaching and evidence-based education.

Assistive Technologies at the Edge of Language and Speech Science for Children with Communication Disorders

2015 ◽  
pp. 255-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joséphine Anne Genèvieve Ancelle
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Disorders ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Therapy Room ◽  
Speech Science

About two million individuals in the United States use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices with text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis to speak on their behalf. In this chapter, two specific systems are introduced and evaluated as potentially significant emerging tools for children with communication disorders. The VocalIDTM project was developed to provide unique voices for children who otherwise speak through standard adult voices. Free SpeechTM is an image-based system designed to address grammatical concepts perceived as abstract by children with language disorders. This chapter also reviews the latest developments in electropalatography (EPG): biofeedback technology, which enables the visualization of tongue to palate contact during speech production. SmartPalateTM has developed cutting-edge hardware and software technology to make EPG more intuitive and more accessible in the therapy room and at home.

scholarly journals Preventing Abuse and Providing Access to Justice for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs: The Role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 321-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Bornman
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Access To Justice ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Human Right ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Human Need ◽  
Communication Needs

AbstractIndividuals with disabilities, in particular those with complex communication needs, have an increased risk of falling victim to crimes such as abuse and violence. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) highlights the human rights that all persons should enjoy. It recognizes the importance of communication, not only as a basic human right that is essential to ensure one's protection and one's participation in all spheres of life, but also as an essential human need through which opinions, thoughts, emotions, and points of view can be shared. This article will address four specific articles of the CRPD that are essential for preventing abuse (including sexual abuse) and for providing access to justice for these at-risk individuals. These are: Article 6 (Women with Disabilities); Article 16 (Freedom from Exploitation, Violence and Abuse); Article 12 (Equal Recognition before the Law); and Article 13 (Access to Justice). Seven South African studies that focused on these four articles will be described in terms of their aims, methods, results, and clinical implications.

Update on Preservice Training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Speech-Language Pathologists

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 536-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel K. Johnson ◽  
Jessica Prebor
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Graduate Training ◽  
The United States ◽  
Academic Programs ◽  
Doctoral Training ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Preservice Training ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose This is a report of the data from a current survey of academic programs in the United States, which provide preservice training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for speech-language pathologists in the United States. A comparison of these findings to the last reported survey was made to identify changes and areas in need of further improvement following implementation of the recent changes to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification Standards of Clinical Practice. Method A survey was distributed to 279 speech-language pathology graduate training programs in the United States identified from the Council on Academic Accreditation program list. Results A total of 79 survey responses were received for a 28.4% response rate. There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of programs reported to provide at least 1 course with primary content in AAC compared to the last survey performed. The reported inclusion of AAC content in other courses has also increased, and several programs report multiple AAC courses are now offered for specialized training. The majority of the programs report that less than half of the students graduate with clinical hours in AAC. The number of training grants and doctoral training remains limited to a few programs. Conclusion Academic programs have increased the preservice training in AAC over the past decade. Data indicate a critical need for clinical experience and doctoral training to meet the growing demands of speech-language pathologists.

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