TY - JOUR
T1 - Challenges and opportunities in augmentative and alternative communication
T2 - Research and technology development to enhance communication and participation for individuals with complex communication needs
AU - Light, Janice
AU - McNaughton, David
AU - Beukelman, David
AU - Fager, Susan Koch
AU - Fried-Oken, Melanie
AU - Jakobs, Thomas
AU - Jakobs, Erik
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, © 2019 International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
PY - 2019/1/2
Y1 - 2019/1/2
N2 - The field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has witnessed significant changes since its inception. AAC services are now considered for a much greater number of individuals with complex communication needs and there are many more AAC options available as communication supports, including a proliferation of technologies. The scope and options for communication within society have increased substantially to include a wide array of digital and social media. Individuals with complex communication needs have increased expectations for participation and engagement across a full range of environments—education, employment, family, healthcare, and community living. Despite these advances, there remain critical challenges that must be addressed. This paper discusses key advances in the AAC field, delineates challenges, and discusses future directions to address these challenges, specifically as they relate to research and development to enhance AAC interventions and technologies for individuals with complex communication needs and their families.
AB - The field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has witnessed significant changes since its inception. AAC services are now considered for a much greater number of individuals with complex communication needs and there are many more AAC options available as communication supports, including a proliferation of technologies. The scope and options for communication within society have increased substantially to include a wide array of digital and social media. Individuals with complex communication needs have increased expectations for participation and engagement across a full range of environments—education, employment, family, healthcare, and community living. Despite these advances, there remain critical challenges that must be addressed. This paper discusses key advances in the AAC field, delineates challenges, and discusses future directions to address these challenges, specifically as they relate to research and development to enhance AAC interventions and technologies for individuals with complex communication needs and their families.
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U2 - 10.1080/07434618.2018.1556732
DO - 10.1080/07434618.2018.1556732
M3 - Comment/debate
C2 - 30648903
AN - SCOPUS:85060175842
SN - 0743-4618
VL - 35
SP - 1
EP - 12
JO - AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
JF - AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
IS - 1
ER -