“I don’t think you can really understand it until you put it to action”: school-based SLPs’ reflections on graduate and continuing education in AAC

Abstract

Graduate programs have made strides to improve augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) learning opportunities for pre-service speech-language pathologists (SLPs). In addition, a number of continuing education opportunities are available to practicing SLPs; however, many still report feeling underprepared to serve clients with AAC needs. The purpose of this study was to describe school-based SLPs’ perspectives regarding their graduate training, on-the-job experience, and ongoing professional development needs related to AAC. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 17 school-based SLPs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using a phenomenological approach, key themes emerged related to AAC knowledge and skills including a need for SLPs to rely on a framework for decision making, the importance of interprofessional training, and difficulties with staying abreast of new technology. The researchers present recommendations of principles and concepts for instructors to include in graduate AAC courses, as well as professional development considerations.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• interview
• pre-service SLP preparation
• school-based service delivery
• SLP perspectives

Notes

1 Sony Electronics and all other Sony Group Corporation product or service names are registered trademarks of the Sony Group Corporation, New York, NY, USA. http://sony.com.

2 TouchChat is a registered trademark of Prentke Romich Company, Wooster, OH, USA. http://www.prentrom.com.

3 Proloquo is a registered trademark of AssistiveWare B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands. http://assistiveware.com.