Undergraduates' perceptions of three augmentative and alternative communication modes. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Achmadi, Donna; van der Meer, Larah; Sigafoos, Jeff; Lancioni, Giulio E.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Lang, Russell; Schlosser, Ralf W.; Hodis, Flaviu; Green, Vanessa A.; Sutherland, Dean; McLay, Laurie; Marschik, Peter B.
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 18:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2014.962767
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To assess undergraduates' perceptions of three augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modes. <italic>Method</italic>: 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. <italic>Results</italic>: 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. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Speech-generating devices were perceived to have greater social validity than manual signing and picture exchange.</p> </abstract>