What Does AAC Mean to You?: An Exploration of the Meaning and Value of AAC to Users and Stakeholders.(AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 189
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Thematic Analysis of Survey Data
研究概览
简要总结
The perception of disability has changed throughout history, and today, people who previously did not have a way to communicate are able to express themselves through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). However, the potential of AAC is not being fully realised and devices are often abandoned. It is therefore essential to hear the voice of those who use it and those who interact with them on a daily basis, in order to find out what the meaning, value and purpose of AAC is for them. This will support SLTs in directing intervention and establishing priorities, as well as in advocating for funding and acknowledging the voice of AAC users. The study uses a qualitative descriptive approach, using thematic analysis to establish emerging themes from surveys completed by AAC users, family members, health professionals, teachers, and face to face interviews with children who use AAC.
详细描述
Research indicates that AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) has the potential to change the lives of many people with complex communication needs, but is often under-utilised and/or abandoned. Therefore, the research aims to investigate the meaning, value, and purpose of AAC for different stakeholder groups, as well as to what extent these are shared or unique? This information will support Speech and Language Therapists to understand the meaning, value, and purpose of AAC for key stakeholders, and therefore adapt intervention to meet these needs. It can also support families considering AAC in decision making. Participants can also benefit through reflecting on what AAC means to them. It is also an important part of evidence based practice to listen to the voice of the client and family.
A qualitative descriptive study is proposed, utilising thematic analysis. The study will be implemented using a survey which will be presented in different formats (paper/online/face-to-face) depending on the stakeholder. It will investigate the perceptions of people who use AAC, family members, teaching staff and health professionals who work with AAC users. Family members, adult AAC users, teachers and health professionals will receive a link to an online survey, distributed by professional groups and charities. Parents of children attending local special schools will be given paper copies of the survey. Face to face interviews with up to 5 children who use AAC will also be carried out at local special schools, following consent from the parents. Interviews will be conducted by a trained Speech and Language Therapist using symbols to support communication via a Talking Mats style approach,and children will be accompanied by an adult. It is estimated that interviews will last between 20 and 30 minutes.
Participants filling in the paper or online survey are encouraged to write as much or as little as they like; it is estimated that it will take around 10 minutes to complete, although others may spend longer.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Other
- 时间视角
- Prospective
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- — 至 100 Years（Child, Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Those who use AAC (both children and adults), their family members and carers, and health professionals and teaching staff who work with AAC users.
- •Children who use AAC will be aged between 4 and 18 years of age. There is no age limit on other participants
排除标准
- •Those who do not meet the inclusion criteria. No other exclusion criteria have been applied.
结局指标
主要结局
Thematic Analysis of Survey Data
时间窗: 08/2017
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Denise Abraham
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Severe and Complex Needs)
University of Dublin, Trinity College