Future AAC Technology Needs: Consumer Perspectives

Abstract

This article suggests the need for rethinking the role that consumer perspectives will play (and ought to play) in the design and development of future augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies. After carefully defining what they mean by "AAC consumers," "consumer perspectives," and "AAC technologies," the authors consider the extent to which current research has illuminated our understanding of (1) how consumers view AAC technologies and (2) how consumers themselves would define future technology needs. It's not a pretty picture. While it is clear that there already exist specific constructs and methods that could enable researchers and developers to learn more about consumer perspectives, it is equally clear that few, if any, researchers make much use of these constructs and methods. The authors focus specifically on ways that consumer perspective can helpfully infuse participatory action research, technology transfer processes, and ergonomics. In addition, the authors consider how research that investigates the ways in which assistive technologies impact the daily lives of individuals with severe communication impairment also influences public policy issues, which can in turn affect future definitions of AAC technology needs. Throughout the article, the authors advocate for a paradigm shift in the quantity and quality of the collaborations that occur between AAC consumers and AAC researchers, manufacturers, and developers. Augmented communicators and their families have a major stake in all types of research that can affect the design and development of AAC devices and accessories, and the results of this research, in turn, can affect public policy decisions about AAC technologies. This makes it all the more important that AAC consumers be involved at each step of the research and development process.

Long-term outcomes for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication: Part III – contributing factors

“…Research and development are needed (a) to improve the technology available to individuals who use AAC; (b) to design communication systems with reduced operational demands (Light, 1997;Light & Drager, 2002); and (c) to develop technology that can meet the needs of multi-lingual persons. This research must be consumer driven (Blackstone, Williams, & Joyce, 2002), because consumers are the best informants. It is by their personal experiences that we can learn about what is lacking and identify features for future development.…”

Programming and controlling robots using scanning on a speech generating communication device: A case study

“…With this method, adaptations are made to the technology to improve its ease of use during user trials. Having end users inform AT design is recommended [24], but since the user in this study was a student with CCN who would have found it difficult to articulate recommendations, the need for adaptations was identified by observing the student performing the programming tasks [25]. If the participant appeared to be having difficulty controlling the cursor or taking a long time to accomplish tasks then adaptations were made to the SGD page and programming software in an effort to improve the ease of use for the participant.…”

Enhancing AAC connections with the world

“…In the United States, changes in federal laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), have been described as ''enabling legislation'' and have been mandated to improve accessibility (Blackstone, Williams, & Joyce, 2002). In Europe, similar legislation, such as the e-Europe Action Plan (Emiliani & Stephanidis, 2005) and the Disability Discrimination Act in the United Kingdom (Abascal & Nicolle, 2005), have addressed similar issues of technological exclusion.…”