A grounded theory of Internet and social media use by young people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Abstract

 The core message of the grounded theory is that the young people who use AAC have a desire to engage with the Internet and social media due to perceived benefits for enriching social relationships and enhancing opportunities for self-representation and self-determination. The paper illustrates how these digital communication benefits are synonymous with identified antecedents for perceptions of community-based social inclusion. Participants describe collaborating with others to use the Internet and social media which may have implications for the development of orthographic literacy and the personal care workforce.

Community building and knowledge sharing by individuals with disabilities using social media

“…Three articles related to self-determination. Self-determination refers to an individual's perception of having the ability to access information independently and having increased privacy (Hynan, Goldbart, & Murray, 2015). Hynan et al (2014) found teenagers with disabilities highly motivated to be online.…”

Review of the literature on the use of social media by people with traumatic brain injury (TBI)

“…There is a small body of research examining the experiences of young people with communication disabilities (teenagers and young adults with cerebral palsy, physical disability, and acquired brain injury) using social media [46][47][48][49]. Young people with communication disabilities have expressed an interest and desire to participate in online forums [46][47][48][49], with one participant in the Hynan et al [48] study stating: 'the internet and social media are an important part of my life. I cannot imagine life without that' (p.179).…”

Telling tales: unlocking the potential of AAC technologies

“…, Hynan et al . ) demonstrate the use and challenges faced by individuals who use AAC who wish to access mainstream information technology. Projects such as the GPII and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) illustrate the efforts of the computing industry to provide access for all.…”

“…r Technology-based AAC systems are no longer constrained to custom-built systems-users of AAC need to access a wide variety of systems with the explosion of mobile platforms and social media. Studies (e.g., Hemsley and Murray 2015, Hemsley et al 2017, Hynan et al 2015 demonstrate the use and challenges faced by individuals who use AAC who wish to access mainstream information technology. Projects such as the GPII and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) 7 illustrate the efforts of the computing industry to provide access for all.…”