Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student and Family Perspectives on Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices

• In Event: 42.083 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 42.083-14 - Special Education Research SIG Roundtable Discussion 2

Abstract

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are essential to children with disabilities that result in complex communication needs (CCN) to fully participate in social and academic realms of life. As the numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners in schools increase, so does the imperative to better inform instruction for CLD students who use AAC devices. This paper reviewed N=14 articles that emphasized CLD students who use AAC devices and their families. Implications highlighted that Euro-American culture dominates many aspects of AAC use, assessment, and professional recommendations. Additionally, there are limited perspectives of AAC users and families from CLD, which literature cites as a central issue.

Authors

• Saili S. Kulkarni, San Jose State University

• Jessica Parmar, California State University - Dominguez Hills