Family Influences and Academic Success: The Perceptions of Individuals Using AAC

Abstract

Positive family influences have a significant impact on addressing school barriers to academic success for students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Due to inequities and attitudes toward people with complex communication needs, positive family influences may be critical in the academic success of students using AAC. This study asked the following question of eight United States high school graduates who have used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): How do family influences positively affect the ability of students who use AAC to succeed in the secondary academic environment? Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of participants’ narratives: (a) the impact of the family in seeking appropriate education, (b) homework as a challenge that was made easier through the involvement of the family, (c) the role of the family in communicating the importance of education, (d) mothers as driving forces of support, and (e) family encouragement for self-determination. This research allows families and schools to recognize the needs of students and to take action to meet them. It identifies the needs of families and schools in establishing relationships with each other, in terms of supporting requirements for accommodation, learning, motivation, and self-determination of students with complex commmunication needs.

Keywords::

• Academic success
• Family involvement
• Secondary education
• AAC
• Disability

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Appendix

Interview Guide

1. Please tell me about how school was for you. How did you feel about school? Reflecting back, what was the most and least exciting thing about school?

2. Describe for me your classes. Why were the classes you liked the most your favorite, while the ones you liked least unfavorable?

3. Did you overall enjoy school? Please describe the highlights and challenges you faced as a student. Why were these important to you?

4. How were you prepared to succeed, both academically and in terms of accommodating your communication disability? How did you get support for your academic choice of classes and communication methods?

5. Please tell me about your family and your relationship to each family member.

6. How did your family feel about the importance of education? If you had siblings, how was this conveyed to all family members?

7. Why was it important for you to succeed academically? What were your motivations?

8. How did your family assist you in school?

9. Did your family assist in getting supports to accommodate your communication disability? If so, how did they do this and how did you feel about their involvement?

10.  What expectations were placed on you to do well in school? How did you feel about the expectations your family placed on you?

11. For the purpose of this study, I need to gather some demographic information about you. In terms of gender, race, age, years out of school, and individuals living with you during school years, please describe yourself.