| Autor: |
Lackey S; School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada., Burnham S; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada., Watson Hyatt G; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada., Shepherd T; Centralized Equipment Pool, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada., Pinder S; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada., Davies TC; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada., Batorowicz B; School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. |
| Abstrakt: |
Use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) often relies on the involvement of AAC service providers; however little is known about how AAC services are delivered across Canada. This study aimed to explore AAC service provision and factors influencing use of AAC from the perspectives of service providers across Canada who are involved in providing and/or supporting use of AAC systems. The 22 participants from nine (of the 10) provinces participated in online focus groups. Participants were speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, communicative disorders assistants, and a teacher. Transcripts of the audio recordings were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were generated that reflect service-related factors contributing to the use of AAC in Canada: Support of Organizational Structures, Concordant Relationships and Goals, Making the Right Decisions, and Influence of Knowledge and Attitudes. These themes highlight how government systems, key stakeholders, assessment practices, and knowledge of AAC influence service provision and use of AAC. Voices from across Canada highlighted shared experiences of services providers as well as revealed variability in service delivery processes. The findings bring to attention a need for further research and development of service provision guidelines to support consistency, quality in practice, and equity in AAC services. |
