Young Adults with Complex Communication Needs: Research and Development in AAC for a “Diverse” Population

ABSTRACT

A successful transition to adult society requires attention to four major goals: (a) have a safe and supportive place to live; (b) participate in meaningful activities; (c) maintain access to needed services; and (d) develop friendships and intimate relationships. For young adults with complex communication needs (CCN), access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) plays a critical role in the achievement of these valued outcomes. This article discusses what is known about the use of AAC to support communication by young adults with CCN, and identifies areas for future research and development in AAC technology.

Keywords:

• autism
• AAC
• augmentative and alternative communication
• cerebral palsy
• transition
• young adult

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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).