EMBRAACE: A Collaborative Framework Empowering Families of Color Navigating Augmentative and Alternative Communication

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Advancing Independence and Communicative Access: Technology and AAC

Abstract

Speech and language impairment is the second most common disability category for which children are served in public schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004). While this legislation supports consideration of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), access barriers persist for children and their families, heightened among Families of Color. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework coined EMBRAACE. Sustaining families’ cultural and linguistic needs, this framework offers the capacity to support families through an intersectional lens, accounting for the compounding constraints to families’ access and maintenance of AAC. Embodying collaboration and reflective practices, EMBRAACE guides practitioners toward advocating with families for AAC, implementing practices that do not erase their cultures, values, and expertise in their children

Authors

• Karla Patricia Armendariz, Pennsylvania State University

• Lydia L Ocasio-Stoutenburg, Pennsylvania State University