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V-AAC-45: The Key Areas of Effective Design and Use of AAC

Overview

Individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and their caregivers from across Canada participated in focused group discussions to explore the key areas of importance as to effective design and use of AAC systems. The findings illustrate that AAC design and use is individualized, a community of caregivers and formal support optimizes effective use, yet society misconceptions hinder social participation. The access to life and social belonging that AAC systems allow was the greatest measure of effective communication. Findings reveal the need for further research on AAC technology design and use to enhance social inclusion.

Content Disclosure: This presentation focused on a research study undertaken by Queens University, Canada. There will be little or no reference to similar studies from other organizations.

Learning Objectives

  1. List the four key elements influencing effective communication design and use for individuals who use AAC.
  2. Describe the four contextual factors related to communication success for individuals using AAC.
  3. Identify one aspect of relevance from this research findings to promote more effective communication in practice.

Primary & Secondary Strands

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC); AT for Physical Access and Participation

Target Audience

  • Accessibility Professional
  • Caregivers
  • Communication Specialist
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Rehab Therapists
  • Transition Coordinator
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

All

Session Delivery Format

Live stream

Course Schedule

This course was given during the ATIA 2023 Virtual Event on Thursday, February 2 from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EST

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs

This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.

ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: January 12, 2024
ASHA CE Approved Provider. ATIA. Introductory Level. 0.05 ASHA CEUs

End date of current CRC CEUs offering: March 19, 2025
Please refer to the CRC Augmentative and Alternative Communication Series (2024-2025) page for further information on how to submit your CRC CEUs for this course to CRCC.

Speaker/s:

Diane McEachern

Queens University, PhD Student

Biography

Currently I am a PhD student in the department of Rehabilitation Science at Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada. My research interests are in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the implications for social inclusion of young adults, particularly around informal social networks, and their importance to successful employment opportunities. Prior to this, my 20 years of clinical experience was as a Speech-Language Pathologist working with preschool and school-aged children, as well as adult populations.

Relevant Financial Relationship: No

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No