Community-based employment: experiences of adults who use AAC

Abstract

A survey was employed to investigate the experiences of adults using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) who were successfully employed in community-based jobs. Twenty-five AAC users responded to the survey, representing a range of disabilities, ages, educational backgrounds, literacy skill levels, and communication systems. Respondents were employed in a variety of jobs including clerical positions, laborers, public educators and consumer advocates, and educational/therapy aides; the majority of the respondents were employed in disability-related services. By far, the majority of the respondents reported satisfaction with their job duties, immediate supervisors, coworkers, and current salaries; however, 40% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their opportunities for advancement. The results of the survey are discussed with recommendations for improving employment opportunities for AAC users and directions for future research.