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Becoming ready to use a voice output communication aid

Christine Sherlock (Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the Access to Communication and Technology Service, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK)

Journal of Assistive Technologies

ISSN: 1754-9450

Article publication date: 9 December 2011

796

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the journey of a young person with severe and complex communication needs from no formal expressive communication system, to a point where he is motivated and able to use a text based voice output communication aid for a range of communication functions, in a variety of settings, and with a range of communication partners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a descriptive single case study, documenting long‐term changes in speech, language, and communication needs and use, and discontinuation of use, of range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools.

Findings

The paper describes the different AAC interventions and their success or otherwise in supporting the young person. It also describes key educational and therapeutic aspects of his management. Changes in the young person's interaction, language and literacy skills, and how his family and the professionals around him perceived the changes in his communication are highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a description of one person without a known underlying diagnosis of his severe and complex communication impairment and might, therefore, be of restricted use when generalized.

Originality/value

There are few published longitudinal descriptions concerning how, why, and when young people use or discard AAC tools. This paper highlights the multiple and various factors of the factors that can be at work when actually providing intervention.

Keywords

Citation

Sherlock, C. (2011), "Becoming ready to use a voice output communication aid", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 233-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549451111190632

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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