The behavioural process underlying augmentative and alternative communication usage in direct support staff. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rombouts, Ellen; Maes, Bea; Zink, Inge
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Volume 42:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: augmentative and alternative communication -- interview -- direct support staff -- speech-language therapist; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; 362.1968
• DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1219023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-8250

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background Research findings suggest that direct support staff use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) inconsistently. Various staff-related factors have been identified, and researchers agree that these factors somehow interrelate. Therefore, we approached AAC use as a behavioural process and examined the synergy between staff-related factors. Method Fifteen direct support staff and 10 speech-language/occupational therapists who work with adults who have an intellectual disability and use AAC were individually interviewed. Transcripts were studied using thematic analysis. Results Three main themes were discerned: consistent versus inconsistent AAC usage in direct support staff; time as a real and virtual barrier; friction in the peer–expert relationship. Conclusions Direct support staff primarily used AAC when there was an acute need for communication support. In contrast, both direct support staff and speech-language therapists felt that direct support staff should consistently provide augmented input. This discrepancy was driven by team dynamics as well as actual and perceived lack of time.