Meaning and value of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What does AAC mean to you?: An exploration of the meaning and value of AAC to users and stakeholders. (AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
IRAS ID
200453
Contact name
Denise Abraham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Essex Partnership Trust - NHS
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 10 days
Research summary
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 question is 'What is the meaning, value, and purpose of AAC for different stakeholder groups? To what extent are these 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.
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. Interviews will be conducted by a trained Speech and Language Therapist using symbols to support communication, 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 10-15 minutes to complete, although others may spend longer.REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0267
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion