Current and Future AAC Research Considerations for Adults with Acquired Cognitive and Communication Impairments

ABSTRACT

Adults with acquired language impairments secondary to stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases are candidates for communication supports outside of the traditional restoration-based approaches to intervention. Recent research proves repeatedly that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides a means for participation, engagement, conversation, and message transfer when individuals can no longer expect full return of pre-morbid communication skills and that inclusion of communication supports should begin early. We discuss current research and future directions for integrated systems of technical supports that include low-technology, high tech, and partner-dependent strategies for adults with severe and chronic aphasia, cognitive-communication problems resulting from traumatic brain injuries, and primary progressive aphasia.

Keywords:

• acquired disabilities
• aphasia
• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• cognition
• dementia
• primary progressive aphasia
• traumatic brain injury

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The preparation of this manuscript was supported in part by The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement (AAC-RERC) funded under grant #H133E080011 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).