Facilitating Family and Client Involvement in the SGD Evaluation and Decision Process

Abstract

There is general consensus that client and family involvement in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation and decision process is associated with positive outcomes (Angelo, 2000; Bailey, Parette, Stoner, Angell, & Carroll, 2006; Parette & Angelo, 1996). This paper explores the importance of client and family involvement, summarizes research-based strategies that have been associated with improvements in family involvement and team collaborations, and presents clinically applicable strategies that may be used to foster client and family engagement and empowerment in the AAC decision-making process.