Multicultural considerations in augmentative and alternative communication

ABSTRACT

Little is known about how well high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems accommodate language variation to meet the needs of people and families who are culturally and linguistically diverse. The purpose of this study was to investigate how high-tech AAC device manufacturers consider language variation and multilingualism in device design and language files, whether there is a difference in the modifications available on default language files on a dedicated AAC device as compared to communication applications on tablets, and the availability of these modifications. A coding schema was developed to assess features available that enabled user modification of default language files across four language domains: semantics, morphosyntax, phonology, and pragmatics. The results indicated that more changes were possible in semantics and phonology on default language files. There were not significant differences between language files offered on a dedicated AAC device or an application on a tablet. There were significant differences in the capabilities of the device to make modifications and in the ease of programming, but not in the resources provided to families. Based on these findings, it appears that device manufacturers have just begun to address the needs of families and users who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

KEYWORDS:

• AAC design
• augmentative and alternative communication
• cultural and linguistic diversity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The iPad is a product of Apple Computers Inc., Cupertino, CA, www.apple.com.

2 LAMP Words for Life is a product of PRC-Saltillo and is an AAC software application developed for the iPad and PRC-Saltillo communication devices. https://aacapps.com/.

3 The Accent is a product of the PRC-Saltillo company of Wooster, OH, https://store.prentrom.com/accent-1000.

4 LAMP Words for Life English/Spanish is a product of PRC-Saltillo and is an AAC software application developed for the iPad and PRC-Saltillo communication devices. https://aacapps.com/.

5 Go Talk is a product of the Attainment Company of Verona, WA, www.attainmentcompany.com.

6 The Unity language system is a product of PRC-Saltillo company of Wooster, OH, https://www.prentrom.com/prc_advantage/unity-language-system.

7 The WordPower language system is a product of PRC-Saltillo company of Wooster, OH, https://www.prentrom.com/prc_advantage/wordpower-language-system.