Augmentative Communication Research Articles

Teachers’ perceptions on the role of augmentative and alternative communication systems

Resumen La escolarización de usuarios de sistemas aumentativos y/o alternativos de comunicación (SAAC) en escuelas ordinarias ha aumentado en los últimos años de acuerdo a los principios de la educación inclusiva. Las percepciones docentes sobre los SAAC repercuten considerablemente en las prácticas escolares y en la utilidad final de estos sistemas como herramienta comunicativa e inclusiva, facilitadora de la presencia, progreso y participación del alumnado usuario. El presente estudio persigue analizar estas percepciones y conocer si aspectos como la formación o la experiencia previa influyen en ellas. Para ello se realiza un análisis mediante el Cuestionario de Percepciones sobre la Inclusión del Alumnado usuario de SAAC en aulas ordinarias (PSIASAAC) con una muestra de 122 docentes de la Comunidad Valenciana. Los resultados muestran percepciones favorables a la inclusión de este alumnado. Sin embargo, se evidencian diferencias significativas entre los docentes con y sin formación y/o experiencia profesional en torno a la comunicación aumentativa y/o alternativa (CAA). La coincidencia con los hallazgos obtenidos por varios estudios previos llevados a cabo en diferentes contextos conduce a pensar que, si bien en líneas generales existen percepciones favorables a los estudiantes usuarios de SAAC, es necesario redoblar esfuerzos en la formación inicial y continua del profesorado y tratar de difundir experiencias prácticas exitosas en que el uso de SAAC contribuye a mejorar la inclusión educativa de los estudiantes usuarios.

In Pursuit of Ethical and Inclusive Research: What Ethics Committees and Disability Researchers Can Learn From Each Other

Across disciplines, qualitative researchers have documented epistemological and practical tensions in the ethical review of community-based and participatory research, with many arguing that ethics committees’ decisions perpetuate the exclusion of marginalised communities from research engagement. In the existing literature, the research team and the ethics committee are often characterised as staunch opponents. Conversely, in our recent qualitative research addressing communication about sexuality with young people with cerebral palsy who use communication methods other than speech (augmentative and alternative communication), we found that constructive collaboration between researchers and committee members yielded novel insights. Co-authored by a multi-disciplinary research team and the former chair of a Human Research Ethics Committee, this reflexive case study identified three key tensions which arose in the ethical review of research involving this purportedly marginalised population, which reflected the wider importance of trust. We propose a series of practical recommendations to support productive collaboration in the pursuit of safe, inclusive and community-driven research.

Caring for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Caring for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Assessment Methods for Problematic Eating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be associated with eating problems. However, currently, there is a lack of established guidelines for assessing and addressing eating behaviors in individuals with ASD. This gap in research exists due to the challenges associated with using traditional assessment methods, which may lead to discrepancies in responses and unintentional potential biases from caregivers. In this review, we provided a comprehensive overview of various eating behaviors commonly observed in individuals with ASD. These behaviors include 1) food neophobia, 2) selective eating, 3) binge eating, 4) food avoidance, 5) chewing and swallowing problems, 6) pica, 7) rumination, 8) rituals, and 9) problematic behaviors. Furthermore, we provide a perspective of utilizing digital tools: 1) augmentative and alternative communication; 2) ecological momentary assessment; and 3) video analysis, behavioral analysis, and facial expression analysis. This review explores existing assessment methods and suggests novel assessment aiding together.

Current Trends in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for Minimally Verbal Autistic Children

Current Trends in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for Minimally Verbal Autistic Children

Percepciones del profesorado sobre el papel de los sistemas aumentativos y alternativos de comunicación

Abstract The number of students using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in mainstream schools has increased in recent years, in line with the principles of inclusive education. Teacher perceptions of AAC significantly influence school practices and the overall effectiveness of these systems as a tool for communication and inclusion, which can enhance the presence, progress, and participation of students who use it. The present study seeks to analyze these perceptions and find out if aspects such as training or previous experience influence them. To this end, an analysis is conducted using the Spanish Questionnaire “Perceptions on the Inclusion of Students who use AAC in mainstream classrooms (PSIASAAC)” with a sample of 122 teachers from the Spanish Autonomous Community of Valencia. The results show favorable perceptions towards the inclusion of students who use AAC. However, there are notable differences between teachers with and without training and/or professional experience with AAC. The findings align with those of several previous studies conducted in different contexts. This leads us to believe that while there are generally positive perceptions of students who use AAC systems, it is important to intensify efforts in the initial and ongoing training of teachers. It is also crucial to share successful practical experiences demonstrating how the use of AAC systems contributes to improving the educational inclusion of the students who use it.

A deep learning approach in brain-computer interaction for augmentative and alternative communication

A deep learning approach in brain-computer interaction for augmentative and alternative communication

Brain computer interface with EEG signals to improve feedback system in higher education based on augmentative and alternative communication

Brain computer interface with EEG signals to improve feedback system in higher education based on augmentative and alternative communication

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ ОТНОШЕНИЯ РУКОВОДСТВА И СОТРУДНИКОВ К ПЛАНИРУЕМЫМ ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННЫМ ПЕРЕНМЕНАМ В МИНИСТЕРСТВЕ ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ ШТАТА ДЕЛЬТА, АСАБА, НИГЕРИЯ

This study examines the influence of change leadership on employee support for an intentional organizational change in the Delta State Ministry of Education Asaba, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional research methodology and a self-administered Likert-type questionnaire. Data for the study were obtained from employees who were undergoing through significant upheaval. The data collected was evaluated using structural equation model. The study found that essential change leadership qualities including communication and involvement aid in building employee support for change initiatives. The cognitive and behavioral reactions of the employees to the planned change was influenced by change leadership. Employees' cognitive assessments of and emotional reactions to the planned change event served as a mediating factor in the relationship between change leadership and behavioral intentions to support the planned change. When assessing planned organizational transformation efforts, leaders frequently pay more attention to how employees respond to the change than to the causes of those reactions. The significance of addressing employee attitudes as the first step toward desired change activities was emphasized by this study. This study adopted a multidimensional approach to attitudes and examined their hierarchy of impacts in order to more accurately describe the influence of change leadership on employee support for change. The study makes a number of suggestions, one of which is that leaders should boost employee morale prior to initiating change projects in order to increase the likelihood of success. In a world of rapid change and cultivation of adaptable mindsets, change leadership is essential.

Playing Plinko: A Conceptual Framework for Student Financial Aid Communication

Playing Plinko: A Conceptual Framework for Student Financial Aid Communication

보조기기센터 종사자의 보완대체의사소통(AAC)에 관한 경험 및 인식 조사

Background and Objectives: Workers at assistive technology centers play the role of finders and provide consultations to individuals who need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This study aimed to examine assistive technology center workers’ experience and perception of AAC. Method: An online survey targeting 151 workers at 29 assistive technology centers across the country was conducted, and a total of 80 survey responses were collected and analyzed. Results: First, it was found that the longer the work experience, the more the workers had AAC education experience. The greatest number of initial consultations and provisions of AAC tools was at least one to less than 10 times those of the past year, and the most common type of disability was brain lesion disorder. Second, the workers believed that a minimum level of cognitive ability was required for AAC intervention and also considered cognitive ability as the most important criterion for recommending AAC intervention. Third, the workers with education, consultation, and provision experience appeared to have a better understanding of AAC. However, the difference in perception between groups with education, consultation, and provision experience and those without was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study examined the experiences and perceptions of AAC of assistive technology center workers who perform AAC-related consultation, assessment, and tool provision tasks. The results of this study provide useful basic data for strengthening the competence of the workers who play the role of AAC finders and developing specific action plans to improve the quality of AAC services.

국내 AAC 애플리케이션의 기본 인터페이스 화면과 어휘 산출 단계 분석을 통한 의사소통 효율성 고찰

Background and Objectives: This study examined the users’ efficiency of communication based on the initial user interface screens and sentence production stages of Korean augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) applications. Method: Twelve AAC applications were analyzed in terms of their initial screen components and the differences in the sentence production process. In addition, the personalized interface was analyzed to determine whether it allows for efficient device switching and symbol editing. Results: The most common function placed on the initial screen in most AAC applications was the text input box, followed by the delete function. The analysis of the sentence production stages revealed that one sentence exhibited differences ranging from a minimum of 2 steps to a maximum of 23 steps, and another sentence showed differences ranging from a minimum of 10 steps to a maximum of 16 steps. There were a total of four AACs that provided functions to set and save personal profiles. Conclusion: This study discussed ways to improve communication efficiency so that users can quickly and accurately express their intentions by analyzing domestic high-tech AAC applications.

자폐스펙트럼장애 아동의 장면 기반 감정상징 인식 및 표현능력

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children to recognize and express scene-based emotion symbols. Method: 15 children with ASD and 15 typically developing children aged 3-6 participated. In the scene-based emotion recognition task, 4 scene-based symbols were presented on a screen and the children were asked to select the scene-based symbol related to the target emotional vocabulary. In the emotional expression task, 14 scene-based symbols were randomly listed and the children were asked to identify the emotions of the main character. Results: First, there were significant differences in emotional recognizing between ASD and TD children. Second, except for dislike, there were significant differences in emotional expression in the sence-based graphic symbols for joy/pleasure, sadness, anger, and scared. Analysis of error types in the emotional expression task showed that children with ASD had a higher rate of nonmeaningful errors compared to meaningful errors. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the emotional expression and recognizing abilities of children with ASD are lower than those of TD children, which may be attributed to difficulties in grasping emotional approaches and overall situational contexts. The results indicate the need for training in scene-based graphic symbol learning when applying augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for children with ASD.

Localisation of a Text-based App for Arabic Assistive Technology Users

Ensuring the successful adaptation of Predictable, a text-based Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) app for users in the Gulf region, required not only text translation and integration of an Arabic keyboard. Key considerations encompass design and user experience, particularly regarding button selection and arrangement to accommodate right-to-left orientation and address cultural and linguistic nuances. The localisation of Predictable Arabic for AAC users in the Gulf region is further enhanced by leveraging an existing symbol set while incorporating new symbols optimised for the app.

Retracted: Analysis of Artistic Creation and Design Methods in Universities Based on Augmented Reality and 5G Communication Technology

Retracted: Analysis of Artistic Creation and Design Methods in Universities Based on Augmented Reality and 5G Communication Technology

Semantic Similarity of Common Verbal Expressions in Older Adults through a Pre-Trained Model

Health problems in older adults lead to situations where communication with peers, family and caregivers becomes challenging for seniors; therefore, it is necessary to use alternative methods to facilitate communication. In this context, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods are widely used to support this population segment. Moreover, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and specifically, machine learning algorithms, AAC can be improved. Although there have been several studies in this field, it is interesting to analyze common phrases used by seniors, depending on their context (i.e., slang and everyday expressions typical of their age). This paper proposes a semantic analysis of the common phrases of older adults and their corresponding meanings through Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and a pre-trained language model using semantic textual similarity to represent the older adults’ phrases with their corresponding graphic images (pictograms). The results show good scores achieved in the semantic similarity between the phrases of the older adults and the definitions, so the relationship between the phrase and the pictogram has a high degree of probability.

Time from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptom onset to key disease milestones: analysis of data from a multinational cross-sectional survey

Objective To determine the average time from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) symptom onset to 11 pre-defined milestones, overall and according to ALS progression rate and geographic location. Methods Data were drawn from the Adelphi Real World ALS Disease-Specific ProgrammeTM, a point-in-time survey of neurologists caring for people living with ALS (pALS) conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States from 2020–2021. ALS progression rate was calculated using time since symptom onset and ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised score. Results Survey results were available for N = 1003 pALS (progression rate for N = 867). Mean time from symptom onset was 3.8 months to first consultation, 8.0 months to diagnosis, 16.2 months to employment change (part-time/sick leave/retirement/unemployment), 17.5 months to use of a walking aid, 18.5 months to first occurrence of caregiver support, 22.8 months to use of a wheelchair, 24.6 months to use of a communication aid, 27.3 months to use of a respiratory aid, 28.6 months to use of gastrostomy feeding, 29.7 months to use of eye gaze technology and 30.3 months to entering a care facility. Multivariate analysis indicated significant effects of fast (versus slow) progression rate on time to reach all 11 milestones, as well as US (versus European) location, age, body mass index and bulbar onset (versus other) on time to reach milestones. Conclusions pALS rapidly reached clinical and disease-related milestones within 30 months from symptom onset. Milestones were reached significantly faster by pALS with fast versus slow progression. Geographic differences were observed.

Map your Burden of Treatment (MyBoT): an arts-based digital communication aid for young people with a chronic condition and their care providers

Background: Young people with a chronic somatic condition receive treatment to reduce symptoms, but treatment can pose a heavy burden and affect their quality of life. Despite this, they rarely discuss this so-called treatment burden with care providers. Discussing treatment burden can help to identify treatment barriers and personalize care. We developed the digital tool MyBoT to improve communication about treatment burden.
 Methods: MyBoT was developed for young people (aged 16-25) who undergo treatment for a chronic condition and their care providers. It was designed and developed by a team of academic researchers, care providers, young people with a chronic condition and a design studio. Additionally, other young people and care providers were invited to advise during the project. The development took place in four stages. The first consisted of a literature study, a design session with young people with a chronic condition and an interview with a care provider. Based on this, the team designed a paper prototype – an initial design of the tool on paper. In the second stage, this prototype was digitalized. This was an iterative process in which team members provided feedback on several versions. During the third stage, a demo version of the tool was applied in six workshops with young people with a chronic condition. Based on their experiences the tool was finalized. In the fourth stage, a dialogue session with young people with a chronic condition and care providers was organized to discuss implementation.
 Results: In MyBoT, young people portray their treatment burden by making a 'body map'. This is an image of a body, in which users indicate the impact of treatment on their lives and wellbeing with photos, icons and text. A chatbot asks questions about how they are doing, what they like to do and the impact of treatment on this. Users can print their body map and discuss it with their care provider. Users reported positive experiences with MyBoT. They considered it a useful visual aid to discuss treatment-related topics that are difficult to express in words, such as future planning and non-adherence. Users noted that the tool helps to take control and introduce topics that matter to them during consultations with care providers, because it results in a tangible product (a body map) they can show. They appreciated that the chatbot in the tool treated them as a person rather than a patient, because it covered topics like hobbies, friends and dreams.
 Conclusion: Digital body mapping exercises can be a valuable aid in discussing treatment burden. It helps young people with a chronic condition to tell their stories, as they can visualize and show their experiences before they discuss them. This is especially helpful in discussing sensitive topics.
 Next steps: MyBoT is being used in a rehabilitation center and other options for implementation are currently explored. Because of the positive experiences, we are now also developing an arts-based digital communication aid for young people with a mental chronic condition.

Facilitating Communication in Neuromuscular Diseases: An Adaptive Approach with Fuzzy Logic and Machine Learning in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems

Augmentative and alternative communication techniques (AAC) are essential to assist individuals facing communication difficulties. (1) Background: It is acknowledged that dynamic solutions that adjust to the changing needs of patients are necessary in the context of neuromuscular diseases. (2) Methods: In order address this concern, a differential approach was suggested that entailed the prior identification of the disease state. This approach employs fuzzy logic to ascertain the disease stage by analyzing intuitive patterns; it is contrasted with two intelligent systems. (3) Results: The results indicate that the AAC system’s adaptability enhances with the progression of the disease’s phases, thereby ensuring its utility throughout the lifespan of the individual. Although the adaptive AAC system exhibits signs of improvement, an expanded assessment involving a greater number of patients is required. (4) Conclusions: Qualitative assessments of comparative studies shed light on the difficulties associated with enhancing accuracy and adaptability. This research highlights the significance of investigating the use of fuzzy logic or artificial intelligence methods in order to solve the issue of symptom variability in disease staging.

Teaching South African center-based caregivers to implement augmentative and alternative communication strategies

In South Africa, many children with extensive support needs—including children who require AAC—are accommodated in care centers rather than the public schooling system. Caregivers employed at these centers need training in order to support children’s communication using augmentative and alternative methods. A total of 29 center-based caregivers took part in this study. A single group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of a 5-day training workshop on caregivers’ ability to demonstrate and implement five AAC strategies. The effect of the workshop on caregivers’ perceptions of their own skills as well as the social validity of the training were also evaluated. Results suggest that the workshop effectively taught caregivers to demonstrate the skills in a simulated roleplay situation. A proportion of caregivers also supplied video footage after the workshop that suggests the ability to implement the strategies in the care center contexts. Caregivers also perceived their own skills to have improved post workshop, and evaluated the training positively.