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The Behavioural Process Underlying Augmentative and Alternative Communication Usage in Direct Support Staff
- Source :
-
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability . 2017 42(2):101-113. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
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.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1469-9532
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1187917
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research<br />Tests/Questionnaires
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2016.1219023