Perspectives of speech language pathologists regarding success versus abandonment of AAC

Abstract

This three-phase investigation used focus groups and a survey to identify factors that perceived by speech language pathologists as being related to long-term success versus inappropriate abandonment of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Factors deemed most important by six focus groups were included in a 106-question survey that was returned by 275 ASHA Special Interest Division #12 (AAC) members. Factor analysis indicated the constructs of Support, Attitude, and System characteristics and Fit as most important to the long-term success of AAC systems. The constructs of Not Maintaining/Adjusting the System, Attitude, Lack of Training, Lack of Support, and Poor Fit were most often related to inappropriate abandonment of AAC systems. Systematic implementation of intervention targeting the constructs is recommended.

Dispositivos de tecnologia assistiva: fatores relacionados ao abandono

“…De acordo com a forma de coleta de dados, três artigos utilizaram as entrevistas semiestruturadas (KITTEL; MARCO; STEWART, 2002;SMITH et al, 2002;FAGER et al, 2006) e seis artigos utilizaram a entrevista estruturada (VERZA et al, 2006;LAFERRIER et al, 2010;GAILEY et al, 2010;MCFARLAND et al, 2010;MUKHERJEE;SAMANTA, 2005;JOHNSON et al, 2006). Em dois artigos, foram utilizadas entrevistas com grupos focais (SMITH et al, 2002;FAGER et al, 2006 …”

“…Verza et al (2006) ainda concluem que a equipe de saúde deve acompanhar os primeiros três anos após a obtenção do DTA, por este ter sido considerado o "período de risco", tendo em vista que todos os DTAs foram abandonados antes deste período. Três estudos relacionados a amputações de membros superiores e inferiores mencionam os cotos curtos como um fator para o abandono de próteses (KITTEL; MARCO; STEWART, 2002;SMITH et al, 2002;JOHNSON et al, 2006). Ramos e Salles (2003) relatam que, em cotos muito curtos, os movimentos remanescentes utilizados para o comando dos componentes da prótese poderão ser dificultados, prejudicando a correta utilização do DTA.…”

National survey describing and quantifying students with communication needs

“…7 A comprehensive review of the literature found similar barriers related to AAC usage and abandonment including the ease and reliability of use, the need for technical support, the voice or language of the device, selection of an appropriate device, duration it takes to create a message, buy-in from the family, perceptions of others, lack of AAC services and training 8 .…”

A single case study of a family‐centred intervention with a young girl with cerebral palsy who is a multimodal communicator

“…Success in implementing an AAC system has been quantified by various factors such as frequency and duration of use (Johnson et al 2006), with greater emphasis been given to user satisfaction, family-centred approach (McNaughton et al 2008;Iacono & Cameron 2009), views of communication partners and service providers (Light et al 2003) and multimodality (Loncke et al 2006). However, several barriers can get in the way of developing successful AAC communication strategies.…”

“…However, several barriers can get in the way of developing successful AAC communication strategies. These can be inherent to the AAC method itself (Copley & Ziviani 2004;Bailey et al 2006;Johnson et al 2006), or relate to family's misconception about use of AAC replacing spoken communication (Hustad & Shapley 2003;Wilkinson & Hennig 2007) making them reluctant to adopt AAC modes (Iacono & Cameron 2009). Light et al (1994) describes communicative asymmetry between the AAC user and their communicative partner(s) as another barrier.…”