Comparing First Graders’ Attitudes and Preferences Toward a Peer Using an iPad^®-Based Speech-Generating Device and a Non-Electronic AAC System

Abstract

This study compared first graders’ attitudes toward a peer who used an iPad^®-based speech-generating device (SGD) versus a non-electronic AAC system, as well as preferences regarding the systems. In all, 115 first graders were randomly assigned to view a video of a peer using either the SGD or the non-electronic system. Participants then completed the Assessment of Attitudes Toward Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AATAAC) and answered preference questions about the systems. Results showed that attitudes toward the peer did not vary significantly as a function of the type of AAC system the peer used. Girls tended to have more positive attitudes than boys toward the peer who used AAC. A majority of participants preferred the SGD for their peer’s and for their own use.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• attitudes
• preferences
• iPad®-based speech-generating device
• non-electronic AAC system

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr Joe Reichle for his consultation and encouragement in the early stages of this project and Amelia Donars for recording procedural fidelity data.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes

1 The Apple iPad^® and iPod^® are products of Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA.

2 Proloquo2Go is a product of AssistiveWare, Amsterdam, NL.

3 Excel is a product of Microsoft, Redmond, WA.