Learning to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): is there a mentoring role for adults experienced in using AAC?

摘要

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including speech generating devices (SGDs), offer people with complex communication needs the potential for improved communication and participation in society (McNaughton et al., 2008). Despite rapid and ongoing development in AAC technology, its potential is not being fully realised (Hodge, 2007). The number of people with complex communication needs who use an SGD remains low (Hodge, 2007), and for those who do use SGDs, recent research has highlighted high rates of device abandonment Johnson, Inglebret, Jones, & Ray, 2006).