Abstract
Although augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has been in use for several decades, many multidisciplinary teams do not implement the available knowledge in their practice. Limited availability of AAC programs has been purported as a reason for its limited use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a dynamic intensive continuing education program aimed to provide multidisciplinary teams with theoretical and practical knowledge in AAC, teamwork, literacy, and family issues regarding the application of AAC for individuals with complex communication needs, on the participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and myths. A mixed method was used to investigate two out-service and three in-service continuing education programs consisting of 136 multidisciplinary staff members. Results demonstrate that participants gained knowledge and skills, changed attitudes, and refuted previously held myths. Participants reported changes in practice and in collaboration within their teams, with individuals at their settings, and with their families.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 359-370 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities published by International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Keywords
- augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
- communication disorders
- multidisciplinary teams
- professional development
- program evaluations
- teacher education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health