Evidence-Based Practice in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Informa Healthcare

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Evidence-Based Practice in Augmentative and Alternative Communication

2004, Vol. 20, No. 1 , Pages 1-21 (doi:10.1080/07434610310001621083)

Ralf W Schlosser¹ and Parimala Raghavendra²

¹Northeastern University, Boston

²Clinical Research, Crippled Children's Association of SA, Inc

Correspondence: Ralf, W, Schlosser, Dept. of Speech-Language Pathology& Audiology, Northeastern University, 151C Forsyth, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, 617-373-3785, 617-373-8756 r.schlosser@neu.edu

An evidence-based practice (EBP) approach to clinical and educational practice emphasizes the importance of integrating sound research evidence into the decision-making process. This paper provides a discussion of the relevance of EBP to the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Included is an examination of what is currently known about decision-making in AAC, as well as a brief history of EBP and its application in other fields. A definition of EBP in AAC is proposed and a schematic of the EBP process is described, including proposed design hierarchies of evidence. This process is then illustrated with a case example. Finally, key factors for the adoption of EBP in AAC are discussed.