Awareness of Augmentative and Alternative Communication among Final Semester Students of SLP: Augmentative and Alternative Communication among Students of SLP

Nimra  Shahbaz; Amna  Rashid; Muhammad Azzam  Khan; Arshad Mehmood  Naz; Hafsa  Noreen; Syed Bilal  Hassan; Tallat Anwar  Faridi

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v5i3.135

Authors

Nimra Shahbaz Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore.
Amna Rashid Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
Muhammad Azzam Khan Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
Arshad Mehmood Naz Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
Hafsa Noreen Faculty of rehabilitation and allied health sciences, Riphah International University.
Syed Bilal Hassan University Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
Tallat Anwar Faridi University Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v5i3.135

Keywords:

Communication Aids for Handicapped, Awareness, Speech Language Pathology

Abstract

The ability to communicate with words is one of a person's distinguishing characteristics. People who have lost their ability to talk are unable to communicate effectively for whatever reason. The acquisition (AAC) approach was implemented as a viable alternative for assisting these individuals. Objective: To find out awareness of augmentative and alternative communication among final semester students of SLP. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in seven major institutes of Lahore (University Of Lahore, Riphah International University, King Edward Medical University, School Of Allied Health Sciences, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Punjab University, NUR International University). Final semester students of BS or MS program in SLP were included in the study. The research employed the convenient sampling methodology and standardized questionnaire was used having 26 questions, with responses obtained through an online form and survey. SPSS17 was used to analyze data collected from 50 respondents. Results: Overall awareness was calculated of respondents regarding Augmentative and Alternative communication. Results indicated that 32(65.71%) of final semester students of speech language pathology have adequate knowledge about AAC technology, 10(18.40%) did not significant knowledge about AAC technology while 8(15.89%) totally unfamiliar about AAC technology. Conclusion: After analysis it was concluded that majority of students had awareness of AAC. Most of Lacking was seen in students who did not have good academic exposure and did not practice with patient of AAC.

References

Khan SG, Butt AK, Noreen H, Iftikhar N, Khan M, Azmat R. Perception of speech and language pathologists towards augmentative and alternative communication in Pakistan. JPMA. 2019.

Istanboulian L, Rose L, Yunusova Y, Gorospe F, Dale C. Barriers to and facilitators for use of augmentative and alternative communication and voice restorative devices in the adult intensive care unit: a scoping review protocol. Systematic reviews. 2019;8(1):1-7.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-1232-0

Elsahar Y, Hu S, Bouazza-Marouf K, Kerr D, Mansor A. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) advances: A review of configurations for individuals with a speech disability. Sensors. 2019;19(8):1911.

https://doi.org/10.3390/s19081911

Yao DP, Andaya GD-A, Inoue K. A Rapid Literature Review on the Strategies for Collaboration Between Occupational therapists and Speech-Language Therapists in the Field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 2021.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0402.007

Tegler H, Pless M, Johansson MB, Sonnander K. Speech and language pathologists' perceptions and practises of communication partner training to support children's communication with high-tech speech generating devices. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2018.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2018.1475515

Kovacs T. A Survey of American Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Intervention Across Language Domains. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 2021;30(3):1038-48.

https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00224

Meinzen-Derr J, Sheldon R, Altaye M, Lane L, Mays L, Wiley S. A Technology-Assisted Language Intervention for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Pediatrics. 2021;147(2).

https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-025734

Hewat S, Penman A, Davidson B, Baldac S, Howells S, Walters J, et al. A framework to support the development of quality simulation‐ based learning programs in speech-language pathology. International journal of language & communication disorders. 2020;55(2):287-300.

https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12515

Jansson S, San Martin TR, Johnson E, Nilsson S. Healthcare professionals' use of augmentative and alternative communication in an intensive care unit: A survey study. Intensive And Critical Care Nursing. 2019;54:64-70.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2019.04.002

Beukelman DR, Mirenda P. Communication alternative et améliorée: Aider les enfants et les adultes avec des difficultés de communication: De Boeck Superieur; 2017.

McNaughton D, Light J, Beukelman DR, Klein C, Nieder D, Nazareth G. Building capacity in AAC: A person-centred approach to supporting participation by people with complex communication needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 2019;35(1):56-68.

https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2018.1556731

Khan MSG, Butt AK, ul Ain Q, Sikander M, Ghayas R. Knowledge of AAC Devices in Pakistani Speech Therapists. Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 2015;3(1):17-21.

Leatherman E. Perspectives of Families and School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists on the Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Experience: University of Kansas; 2018.

Malekian M, Chaleshtory MJ, Zarifian T. Survey of Specialists' Awareness of Rehabilitation Team Working in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences toward Augmentative and Alternative Communication Methods. 2020.

DeJarnette KM, Wegner JR. Preservice Education in Augmentative and Alternative Communication: An Update. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. 2020;5(5):1243-61.

https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_PERSP-19-00154

Aldabas R. Professional Training Needs for Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Inclusive Classrooms: Voices From Saudi Arabia. Journal of Special Education Technology. 2020:0162643420979925.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643420979925