Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers

Individuals with complex communication needs who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) frequently encounter barriers that limit their ability to achieve their full potential in communication and in life. Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers is the first book to focus specifically on practical strategies for breaking down opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Plural Publishing Inc

Individuals with complex communication needs who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) often face significant barriers that hinder their ability to reach their full potential in communication and in life. These barriers encompass both access barriers, such as limitations in the user's current capabilities or the communication systems they utilize, as well as opportunity barriers, including policy, practice, knowledge/skill, and attitude barriers that extend beyond the AAC user. It is crucial to address both access and opportunity barriers when designing systems and supports for individuals who use AAC. However, research and practice often prioritize addressing issues related to access barriers, with relatively less attention given to opportunity barriers.

Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers is the first book dedicated to providing practical strategies for overcoming opportunity barriers faced by individuals who use AAC. The text is organized into four sections, each focusing on a common opportunity barrier: knowledge/skill, practice, attitude, and policy. Within each section, readers will delve deeper into the impact of the barrier through the experiences of individuals who use AAC or their families. They will gain knowledge based on current research and recommended practices for addressing the barrier, and they will see examples of professionals who have successfully overcome the barrier through real-world case studies.

The final chapter of the book offers readers valuable information and tools to go beyond the content of the book and actively address the unique opportunity barriers they encounter. It provides insights into how to advocate for change, build partnerships, and create inclusive environments that support individuals with AAC.

Key Features:

In-depth Interviews: The book features in-depth interviews with individuals who use AAC, as well as their families, professionals, and advocates. These interviews provide firsthand accounts of the challenges and successes experienced by AAC users and offer valuable insights into the barriers they face.

Current Research and Best Practices: The text is grounded in the latest research and best practices in the field of AAC. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and strategies for overcoming them, based on the expertise of leading researchers and practitioners.

Case Examples: Throughout the book, readers are presented with real-world case examples that illustrate the practical application of the strategies discussed. These case examples showcase successful interventions and initiatives that have helped individuals with AAC overcome opportunity barriers and achieve their communication goals.

Actionable Steps: The book provides readers with actionable steps and resources to implement the strategies discussed. It includes references to relevant publications, websites, and organizations that can provide further support and guidance to individuals and professionals working with AAC users.

By focusing on practical strategies for breaking down opportunity barriers, Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers aims to empower individuals with AAC to reach their full potential in communication and in life. It is a valuable resource for speech-language pathologists, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to better understand and support individuals with complex communication needs.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781635503913