Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Israel: results from a family survey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the current status of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in Israel as reported by the family members of children who are current or potential users of AAC devices. Surveys were sent to families that had been identified from two key sources: the main AAC assessment center in Israel and principals of special education schools. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and are reported and analyzed along with AAC issues, concerns, and needs. Most of the respondents were parents of children who used AAC. Most of the families responding to the survey lived in cities, were highly educated, were born in Israel, and came from middle-to-upper class backgrounds. Most of the families reported being content with the array of AAC messages presented on the devices, although they also reported a large number of breakdowns in communication with the children who were using the devices. Most of the families indicated that the speech-language pathologist in their children's schools developed the AAC systems, and some of the families indicated that they participated in implementing AAC at home. Implications and future research are discussed.