Environmental factors contributing to using spelling in communication: Perceptions of literate aided communicators

Abstract

The aim of this interpretive qualitative study was to explore how environmental factors influence the transition from relying solely on graphic symbols to using spelling in face-to-face communicative interactions, from the perspective of literate adults with speech and motor impairments who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Fourteen adults either chose to submit a written story with weekly email follow-up, took part in interviews conducted via Zoom¹, or chose to communicate solely by email. Researchers analyzed data using Charmaz’s (2014) constructivist grounded theory approach. The analysis yielded three themes explaining environmental factors relevant to the transition from using graphic symbols to spelling in communication: (a) access to AAC systems and services; (b) knowledgeable and supportive communication partners who have high expectations; and (c) opportunities to learn reading, writing, and spelling. Supportive factors included providing sufficient time for spelling in communicative interactions, structured learning opportunities for practice and independence, opportunities to learn through socially meaningful interactions and having print-rich and language-rich activity settings. Slow speed in navigating graphic symbols and lack of ability to express an exact message were motivational reasons for participants to use spelling in communicative interactions. The interaction among environmental factors and person-related characteristics warrants further investigation.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• communication
• graphic symbols
• literacy
• spelling
• writing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our deep gratitude to the study participants for taking their time to share their stories about their experiences in their journey to literacy.

Notes

1 Zoom is a communications platform, https://zoom.us

2 WriteOutLoud is text to speech technology, www.writeoutloud.net

3 Bliss is a semantics graphical language, www.blissymbolics.org

Additional information

Funding

This study is part of requirements for fulfillment of a PhD degree. We have no known conflict of interest to disclose. This study was supported by Gwen Keough Memorial Scholarship, the Tracey Gourlay Memorial Scholarship, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and the School of Graduate Studies Doctoral Award awarded to the first author.