Perspectives of High Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users With Cerebral Palsy at the Post-Secondary Level

Abstract

Abstract In this qualitative case study, we investigated the perspectives of users of high tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems regarding their AAC systems, suggestions for others, and their successes and barriers. The five participants in this study had cerebral palsy and were at the postsecondary education level or the employment status. We found 5 main themes during the investigation: (a) day-to-day challenges; (b) experiences with AAC; (c) perceptions of preferable features and future AAC; (d) suggestions to others, including communication partners, professionals in the AAC field, and/or potential AAC users; and (e) adopted strategies. We will interpret these findings from three perspectives: (a) the participants' perspectives on AAC; (b) their perspectives on other people; and (c) their personal insights on themselves. Overall, participants indicated that AAC systems were indispensable in their daily lives, school settings, and work environments. However, all of the participa...