Augmentative and alternative communication practices: a descriptive study of the perceptions of South African speech-language therapists

Abstract

Speech-language therapists (SLTs) have direct contact with a wide variety of individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and they are therefore considered to have a primary role in the assessment, selection, and implementation of AAC symbols, techniques, aids, and strategies. Limited information is available with regard to SLTs" practices in the field of AAC, and there is a particular paucity of information about developing country contexts such as South Africa. The aim of this study was to determine how South African SLTs perceive their current AAC practices. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate SLTs" assessment and intervention practices, their choice and use of graphic symbols, and display layouts for aided AAC systems. An online survey was developed, using the Qualtrics Research Suite™ online survey software. The survey included open-ended questions (analyzed using thematic analysis) and closed questions (analyzed using descriptive statistics). The study revealed that SLTs currently use a limited variety of assessment and intervention approaches. Their current practices are informed by previous experience with various technologies and AAC systems. The results enhance the understanding of SLTs" current AAC practices and illustrate that the primary caseloads of SLTs do not appear to inform specific approaches to assessment and AAC implementation.

Professionals’ decision-making in recommending communication aids in the UK: competing considerations

“…For example, reliability and ease of editing were important considerations for both the current UK participants and their Canadian counterparts (Lindsay, 2010). In contrast, consideration of graphic representational forms seems to differ from those found in a recent South African study (Dada et al, 2017). The participants in this UK study favoured more abstract symbols for children with higher cognitive abilities, whereas South African SLTs favoured more iconic symbols that were easier to learn.…”

“…The results showed that the specialist SLPs approached the AAC assessment differently for each of the two children; focusing on facilitating language development for the child with cerebral palsy, and on the purposes and motivation to communicate for the child with autism spectrum condition (ASC). Finally, Dada, Murphy, and T€ onsing (2017) conducted an online survey of 121 South African SLPs on their perceptions of their AAC prescribing practices. In contrast to the two previous studies (Dietz et al, 2012;Lund et al, 2017), Dada et al (2017) reported that most respondents indicated they worked in teams and used a combination of standardized assessment and functional communication tasks to inform their decisions.…”

“…Finally, Dada, Murphy, and T€ onsing (2017) conducted an online survey of 121 South African SLPs on their perceptions of their AAC prescribing practices. In contrast to the two previous studies (Dietz et al, 2012;Lund et al, 2017), Dada et al (2017) reported that most respondents indicated they worked in teams and used a combination of standardized assessment and functional communication tasks to inform their decisions. Research evidence had a limited influence on their choices, whereas available resources and the clinical expertise of colleagues had a strong influence.…”

What’s important in AAC decision making for children? Evidence from a best–worst scaling survey

“…Graphic representation stands out as the only language attribute ranked as having lower than average relative importance in this study. Recent studies suggest ambivalence towards the challenges or levels of cognitive difficulty associated with perceived levels of graphic representation (Dada, Murphy, & Tönsing, 2017). There is some evidence that more abstract symbols are favored for children with higher cognitive abilities, while in other contexts there was a preference to go for more iconic symbols that were easier to learn.…”

AAC services for multilingual populations: South African service provider perspectives

“…This profile is representative of speech-language therapists and AAC service providers in South Africa (cf. (Dada, Murphy, & Tönsing, 2017;Kathard & Pillay, 2013); however, it still complicates and limits service delivery to large proportions of the population -particularly those from African language backgrounds. Although the data obtained through the focus group may be a commentary on the current status quo in the field, it should be acknowledged that this status quo itself is biased and excludes specific sectors of the population who do not receive services and are therefore not considered in service providers' opinions -particularly clients who are from African language backgrounds.…”