The complexities of AAC intervention research: emerging trends to consider

Abstract

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is always about intervening and the subsequent effects of the interventions (e.g., on the AAC user, family perspectives, educational outcomes, and vocational outcomes). AAC intervention research is about generating new knowledge by studying some aspect of AAC delivery in a planned manner so that it can be replicated and then translated into clinical/educational practice. This commentary on AAC intervention research highlights the complexities inherent in this type of research and the range of components that contribute to it, and reflects on emerging trends that we must consider as we continue to develop and enhance intervention research. Conducting AAC intervention research is a commitment to understanding how change occurs when an intervention is delivered and its broader impact on the field and the people who use AAC.

Keywords: AAC; consumers; intervention; methods; policy.