‘I've Got Something to Say’: Interaction in a Focus Group of Adults with Cerebral Palsy and Complex Communication Needs

Abstract

This paper describes the outcomes of a pilot study examining the roles of the moderator and participants in one focus group of six adults with complex communication needs. In the group, participants used a variety of communication methods including AAC and dysarthric speech. An analysis of the focus group interaction revealed that (a) both the moderator and participants played an active role in clarifying and repairing communication in the group, and (b) the group interacted successfully to discuss the focus group questions. The implications of the study for moderators and including adults with complex communication needs in focus groups are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.

Keywords:

• Complex communication needs
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• AAC
• Focus groups
• Interaction
• Research methods