The Experiences of BIPOC Who Use AAC: Family Member Perspectives

College of Health Professions & Science, Lund, Shelley, Mentor, Poster Presentation, School and College, School of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology, Student, Williams, Gracie

Gracie Williams, “The Experiences of BIPOC Who Use AAC: Family Member Perspectives”
Mentor: Shelley Lund, Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology
Poster #208

Nearly 3 million people in North America have complex communication needs. Some of these individuals use technological devices to help them communicate with others, also known as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Service providers, manufacturers, legislators, and related organizations all govern the accessibility, functionality, use, and quality of these communication systems. This project, funded by the United States Society for AAC (USSAAC) examined the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who use AAC. A previous study gathered the perspectives of adult AAC users who are BIPOC regarding their concerns and experiences regarding accessibility and representation with AAC. In this study, we interviewed family members of AAC users who are BIPOC. The family members, especially those who were parents, provided historical context to their children’s acquisition of AAC and their interactions with service providers and systems. Five family members of BIPOC who use AAC participated in the study. They were interviewed about their perspectives on representation, accessibility, and their experiences regarding their family member who is BIPOC and uses AAC. These interviews were transcribed and coded using a qualitative coding software, Dedoose. Preliminary analysis indicates themes of feeling that culture and ethnicity were not represented by their family member’s AAC device, a lack of understanding and support from professionals, as well as barriers within the education system for children who are BIPOC and use AAC. Overall, the results of this study indicate that AAC users who are BIPOC feel a lack of access, equity, and representation due to barriers and shortcomings within the field of AAC. By examining these participants’ experiences, we can gain a better understanding of what these issues are and publish our findings to make them available to AAC manufacturers, organizations, professionals, and society to raise awareness about these topics.