To include us in our own worlds: AAC is not optional

Area of Science:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Disability Studies
• Communication Sciences

Background:

• Despite 40 years of advancements in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), a significant communication access gap persists.
• The majority of individuals unable to rely on speech face challenges in meeting their physical, emotional, social, and cultural needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the reasons behind persistent access gaps in AAC.
• To highlight the profound and often lifelong negative effects of communication deprivation.
• To advocate for improved AAC access and integration into research and practice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of lived experiences within the AAC community.
• Review of existing literature on communication access and disability.
• Discourse analysis of the relationship between communication deprivation and "challenging behaviors".

Main Results:

• Communication deprivation in AAC users can result in pervasive, lifelong trauma.
• Many "challenging behaviors" may stem from communication barriers, not inherent disability traits.
• Existing ableism, abuse, and violence exacerbate the impact of communication access gaps.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need to address the communication access gap in Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
• AAC research must prioritize the voices and needs of individuals with communication disabilities.
• Achieving ubiquitous AAC access is critical for upholding civil and human rights.