Employment Situation and Career Preferences of Persons Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Germany

Abstract

Purpose: Little is known about employment situations as well as career preferences and aspirations of people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), especially from the perspective of these individuals themselves. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore 1) employment situations of the persons who use AAC; 2) their satisfaction with the employment situation; and 3) their career preferences. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed for the purpose of this study. Twenty-one persons, aged 16 to 65, participated in this study. Results: Ten participants (47.6%) were employed in disability specific workshops, five (23.8%) attended adult day centres for people with disabilities, two (9.5%) were unemployed, two (9.5%) were students, and two (9.5%) did not specify their employment status. Nine participants (42.9%) were satisfied with their current employment situation to some extent, while another nine were not satisfied (42.9%). Out of 21 participants, 15 (71.4%) desired a change of their situation, of which nine (42.9%) aspired to employment in the general labour market. Conclusions: Future research is needed to address specific barriers and facilitators related to accessing meaningful employment for individuals who rely on AAC and accommodations needed to support such employment.