Dismantling societal barriers that limit people who need or use AAC: lived experiences, key research findings, and future directions

Abstract

Society generally, and communication partners specifically, wield substantial power in determining access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and controlling the opportunities for participation afforded to people who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood. This paper integrates the lived experiences of people who need or use AAC with key research findings related to policy, practice, technology, attitude, knowledge, and skill barriers in society that limit people who need or use AAC. Future research and technology development is urgently required to dismantle societal barriers to ensure access to AAC and meaningful opportunities to participate in all aspects of society - education, employment, healthcare, leisure, family, and community.

Keywords: AAC; attitudes; partner training; policy; societal barriers; technology.