Preservice Education in Augmentative and Alternative Communication: An Update

Abstract

This study assessed the characteristics of preservice education in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) graduate programs in speech-language pathology. A survey entitled “Preservice Education in AAC: An Update” was hosted online via Qualtrics software. Participation was solicited via email using contact information from graduate program websites. A total of 85 program directors, department chairs, clinical directors, and faculty members responded to the survey and provided information describing the characteristics of the graduate programs with which they are affiliated. Data from this survey revealed that there has been a general trend towards an increase in the number of graduate programs that offer coursework in AAC, the number of graduate students who are receiving knowledge and skills in AAC, and the number of students who obtain clinical clock hours in AAC. However, results indicate that some graduate programs in speech-language pathology continue to face barriers in providing comprehensive preservice education in AAC. Specifically, some of these barriers include: limited funding, lack of faculty members with expertise in AAC, access to AAC systems and technologies, and time constraints.. Implications for graduate programs in speech-language pathology include a need to utilize creative problem-solving to overcome barriers in providing preservice education in AAC to its students. Suggestions of possible solutions to overcome these barriers include: a) building relationships with local AAC vendor representatives to create opportunities for long-term AAC system loans, opportunities for community-based student observations, and demonstrations of AAC competencies, b) utilizing technology and virtual meetings to collaborate with other graduate programs in speech-language pathology with a strong foundation in AAC, and c) using telepractice to provide intervention services to individuals with complex communication needs who would not otherwise have access to AAC services.