Limitations in the use of nondisabled subjects in AAC research

Abstract

Nondisabled subjects have been used in numerous areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) research. The justification for using these subjects has been based largely upon issues related to cost, convenience, difficulties in using persons who are communicatively impaired, and ethical considerations. The findings from these areas are often automatically assumed to be generalizable to AAC system users. This may prove a great disservice to the population. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the limitations in using nondisabled subjects. Issues pertaining to external validity will be examined across various areas of AAC research.

• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) research
• external validity
• nondisabled subjects
• subject selection