Undergraduates’ perceptions of three augmentative and alternative communication modes

Abstract

Objective: To assess undergraduates’ perceptions of three augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modes. Method: We showed 104 undergraduates a video clip of a person using each of the three AAC modes and asked them to rate each option in terms of perceived (a) intelligibility, (b) ease of acquisition, (c) effectiveness/acceptability, and (d) preference. The three AAC modes shown were (a) manual signing, (b) picture exchange, and (c) speech-generating device. Results: Mean ratings for perceived intelligibility and effectiveness/acceptability were significantly higher for the speech-generating device. The speech-generating device and manual signing options were rated as being more preferred over picture exchange. Picture exchange was rated significantly higher on perceived ease of acquisition. Conclusion: Speech-generating devices were perceived to have greater social validity than manual signing and picture exchange.

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• developmental disability
• manual signing
• picture exchange
• social validation
• speech-generating device
• undergraduates’ perceptions

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interests. The authors alone are solely responsible for the content and writing of this paper. Support for this research was provided from the New Zealand Government through the Marsden Fund Council, administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand; and by Victoria University of Wellington, The University of Canterbury, and The New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain & Behaviour.