Main description:

Individuals with complex communication needs who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) frequently encounter barriers that limit their ability to achieve their full potential in communication and in life. These barriers include access barriers (limitations in the current capabilities of the AAC user or the communication systems that they use) as well as opportunity barriers (e.g., policy, practice, knowledge/skill, and attitude barriers that extend beyond the AAC user). It is essential to consider both access and opportunity barriers when designing systems and supports for individuals who use AAC. However, often the emphasis of research and practice is on addressing issues related to access barriers with far less attention to opportunity barriers. Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers is the first book to focus specifically on practical strategies for breaking down opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC.

The text is divided into four sections, with each section devoted to a frequently encountered opportunity barrier (knowledge/skill, practice, attitude, and policy). Within each section, readers will (a) develop a deeper understanding of the impact of the barrier through the eyes of individuals who use AAC or their families, (b) acquire knowledge based on current research and recommended practices related to addressing the barrier, and (c) learn how professionals have successfully addressed the barrier via case examples from the field. The final chapter provides readers with information (as well as tools and examples) about how to go "beyond the book" and actively address the unique opportunity barriers they encounter.

Key Features
Includes in-depth interviews with individuals who use AAC and their families
Identifies evidence-based and promising practices for addressing opportunity barriers
Provides tips, tools, and resources for addressing opportunity barriers
Illustrates successful strategies for addressing opportunity barriers through case examples and step-by-step guidelines for implementation
Includes contributions from professionals in the field who have successfully addressed opportunity barriers in home, school, workplace, and community settings
Who Should Read This Book
This book is designed to support those who find themselves frustrated by the opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC and are searching for ways to break down those barriers, including people who rely on AAC, speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, family members, university students, faculty in higher education, and other professionals in school, healthcare, and community settings.

Contents:

Preface
About the Authors
Contributors

Section I. Understanding and Addressing Knowledge/Skill Barriers

Chapter 1. Knowledge/Skill Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families
Susan S. Johnston, Vanessa J. Ince, and Cas McNamara

Chapter 2. Knowledge/Skill Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base
Susan S. Johnston, Cheri Wild Blue, Adele F. Dimian, Ashley R. McCoy, Jessica J. Simacek, and Melinda R. Snodgrass

Chapter 3. Knowledge/Skill Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples
Susan S. Johnston, Adele F. Dimian, Ashley R. McCoy, Jessica J. Simacek, and Melinda R. Snodgrass

Section II. Understanding and Addressing Practice Barriers

Chapter 4. Practice Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families
Cindy Gevarter, Cassandra Medrano, and Tona Rivera

Chapter 5. Practice Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base
Cindy Gevarter

Chapter 6. Practice Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples
Cindy Gevarter, Jennifer W. Hanson, Stephanie M. McDougle, and Mariah Siciliano

Section III. Understanding and Addressing Attitude Barriers

Chapter 7. Attitude Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families
Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, Eric J. Sanders, Jay Grochala, Kevin Williams, and Jamie Preece

Chapter 8. Attitude Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base
Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, and Lateef McLeod

Chapter 9. Attitude Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples
Eric J. Sanders, Lateef McLeod, Samuel Sennott, David J. Hajjar, Joanne K. Niemkiewicz, Krista Howard, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, and Brandi Wentland

Section IV. Understanding and Addressing Policy Barriers

Chapter 10. AAC Policy Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families
Lateef McLeod, Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, India Ochs, and Bob Williams

Chapter 11. Policy Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base
Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, and Eric J. Sanders

Chapter 12. Policy Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples
Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, Christina Royster, Gretchen Hanser, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, and Monica Kaniamattam

Conclusion

Chapter 13. Individualizing the Approach to Breaking Down Barriers
Susan S. Johnston