Overcoming Social Inequality by Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices in Education

Gezim Zeqiri

doi:10.22178/pos.63-11

Abstract

For students whose different sorts of special needs restrict them to communicate with their peers, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (hereafter AAC) Devices have an important impact on overcoming social inequalities by facilitating communication, interactions, and learning outcomes. By interconnecting Assistive Technology with appropriate curriculum and methodology of teaching and learning, students with special communication needs may utilize AAC Devices and overcome some of the communication barriers they face. The main purpose of this article is to research how the learning process occurs by implementing facilitated learning with the use of AAC Devices in United States schools, and its impact on student’s ability to communicate efficiently and to interact with their peers, teachers, and so forth. In that context, the Article investigates how AAC Devices help students with communication disabilities to overcome communication inequalities and the way students can utilize them to be engaged in the learning process. To achieve this purpose, we have used participatory structured observation as the methodology of research. We have visited one of the New York State Schools where AAC Devices were being used, and observed students' behavior and their learning outcomes while using those devices. Besides the facilitated learning by utilizing AAC devices, students with special communication needs were able to interact with their peers and teachers more effectively and express their opinions through those devices.

Highlights

IntroductionAlternative and Augmentative Devices (hereinafter referred to as Alternative Communication (AAC) devices) are considered as some of the most utilized tools that aim to improve people’s lives and enhance their capabilities to efficiently communicate with others
Alternative and Augmentative Devices are considered as some of the most utilized tools that aim to improve people’s lives and enhance their capabilities to efficiently communicate with others
The necessity of using these devices is immense, and researching this topic is considered of great importance. Many of such devices are being utilized in the learning environments such as Schools and Universities, to facilitate communication between students who communicate with difficulties or do not have any ability to communicate by other means

Summary

Introduction

Alternative and Augmentative Devices (hereinafter referred to as AAC devices) are considered as some of the most utilized tools that aim to improve people’s lives and enhance their capabilities to efficiently communicate with others. It is estimated that “Over 49 million individuals in the United States present with an ongoing disabling condition. Many of such devices are being utilized in the learning environments such as Schools and Universities, to facilitate communication between students who communicate with difficulties or do not have any ability to communicate by other means. There are various manners AAC devices are used in different learning environments. The efficacy and success rate of using those devices depend on many possible factors, such as the quality of Teacher’s training received concerning AAC Devices, appropriate evaluation and determination of the specific devices to be used, appropriateness of the student’s individual need for specific devices, and so forth

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Conclusion