Listen up! perspectives of people of color who use augmentative and alternative communication in the United States
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
DOI
10.1080/07434618.2024.2407798
Abstract
Every individual has a fundamental right to communicate and access equal opportunities to fully participate in society. However, this right may not be fully manifested for individuals with communication access needs especially those from underrepresented groups. This project had two aims, to determine 1) the specific experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to the cultural identities of people of color (POC) who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and 2) how AAC service providers and manufacturers can support POC AAC users in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner. We conducted an online, asynchronous focus group with seven participants over eight weeks. The participants’ responses were coded qualitatively. Seven major themes were identified: AAC is a Culture, AAC System Features, Self-Identity as a Person of Color who uses AAC, Experience with Service Providers, Improvements to the Field of AAC, Racial Inequities in AAC Support, and Future Research. Suggestions are provided regarding how service providers and manufacturers can serve as better allies to support POC who use AAC.
Keywords
AAC, Asian, Hispanic, black, participatory action research, people of color, personal experience, qualitative
Department
Communicative Disorders and Sciences; Audiology
Recommended Citation
Shelley Lund, Yoosun Chung, Tracy Rackensperger, Alison Pentland, Adriana Castillo, Gracie Williams, and Wendy Quach. "Listen up! perspectives of people of color who use augmentative and alternative communication in the United States" AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2024.2407798
