Malaysian speech-language pathology students’ reflections about their participation in an AAC training program

Abstract

Most speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Malaysia practice with an undergraduate degree, which provides them with limited knowledge about and training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This limited knowledge and training may affect their confidence and competence when introducing and using AAC with individuals for whom it is required. This study aimed to obtain feedback, via semi-structured interviews, from a group of 11 Malaysian university students who participated in an AAC training program about their experiences participating in and the effectiveness of the training program. Three themes were derived from qualitative content analysis of the interviews: (a)Time Demands, (b) Generalizing the use of AAC, and (c) Learning Required When Introducing AAC. The participants reported that they obtained better insights into the role of SLPs and communication partners with regards to AAC, as well as the struggles they faced. Students also reported increased confidence when working with individuals who use AAC after participating in the training program, thus supporting the need for similar training programs in the future.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Malaysia
• speech-language pathologists
• undergraduate students
• university training

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1 Proloquo2GoTM is a symbol-supported communication app available from Assistive Ware, Amsterdam, Netherlands. http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go .

2 TouchChat is a product from PRC-Saltillo and is an AAC software application developed for iPad, iPod, and iPhone. https://touchchatapp.com.

3 AAC Genie is a diagnostic tool that looks at representation methods available from Hump Software.