Opening Up a ‘Whole New World’: Employer and Co-Worker Perspectives on Working with Individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract

Fourteen employers and co-workers who worked with individuals who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) completed a survey describing their employment experiences. A qualitative analysis identified four major themes in the responses: (a) benefits of employing individuals who use AAC, (b) challenges to the employment situation, (c) supports to the employment situation, and (d) recommendations for improving employment outcomes for individuals who use AAC. Respondents identified the following as key factors that had a significant impact on employment outcomes for individuals who use AAC: (a) identification and development of good job matches, (b) educational and vocational preparation, (c) reliability of AAC technology, (d) attitudes of co-workers, (e) accessibility of the workplace, and (f) availability of transportation and personal care services.

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Cerebral Palsy
• Employment
• Employer
• Co-worker
• Survey
• Qualitative Analysis