Communication Partners' Perceptions of Their Roles and Responsibilities in the Design, Planning and Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication With Individuals With Severe or Profound Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

2024/09/18 by Edina Hanley, Caroline Dalton, Elaine Lehane +1 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Health Professions · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Family and Disability Support Research

paper · doi:10.1111/bld.12620

openalex publication_date 2024/09/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This study explores communication partners' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in the design, planning and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with individuals with severe/profound intellectual disability. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Purposive sampling, data collection and qualitative content analysis were undertaken simultaneously. Data were collected from nine participants, four parents and five professionals over 4 months through audio or video‐recorded, semi‐structured, open‐ended interviews. Findings An overarching theme ‘Maximising Communication through AAC’ emerged, capturing participants' unanimous agreement that their shared goal was to optimise individuals' communication through AAC. This was influenced by three themes: ‘Developing a Communicative Environment’, ‘The Act of Communicating; Attempting to Realise the Individuals' Ability’ and ‘Living with Uncertainty’. Conclusions These findings contribute to enhancing understanding of AAC use with individuals with severe/profound intellectual disability and their communication partners.

Citations

• Perspectives of speech language pathologists regarding success versus abandonment of AAC
• The qualitative content analysis process
• ‘Voice’ is not enough: conceptualising Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research
• Researcher Positionality - A Consideration of Its Influence and Place in Qualitative Research - A New Researcher Guide
• Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis

Cited by

• Examination of Factors Influencing Behavioural Intention of Communication Partners of People With Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Research Article

Discussions

• COMMUNICATION PARTNERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE DESIGN, PLANNING AND USE OF AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE OR PROFOUND INTELLECT [bsky, 2 points, 1 comments]

Related

• Examination of Factors Influencing Behavioural Intention of Communication Partners of People With Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Research Article
• Augmentative and alternative communication systems: Considerations for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities
• Extending patient-centred communication to non-speaking intellectually disabled persons
• Being understood: Neurodivergent care leavers’ perspectives on their own communication skills
• Facilitators' Experiences of Delivering a Tailored Health Education Resource to People With Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disability