Use of consumer wireless devices by South Africans with severe communication disability.

Background: Advancements in wireless technology (e.g. cell phones and tablets) have opened new communication opportunities and environments for individuals with severe communication disabilities.

Social validation of vocabulary selection: ensuring stakeholder relevance.

The vocabulary needs of individuals who are unable to spell their messages continue to be of concern in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Social validation of vocabulary selection has been suggested as one way to improve the effectiveness and relevance of service delivery in AAC. Despite increased emphasis on stakeholder accountability, social validation is not frequently used in AAC research.

Improving web access for individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication.

People with significant speech and motor disabilities often face obstacles attempting to navigate the World Wide Web. This is especially true for the millions of children and adults worldwide who rely on or could benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This study was designed to test the usability of WebAACcess, an accessibility enhancement tool designed to bypass some of the barriers to navigating the web.

Communication during times of natural or man-made emergencies.

During man-made or natural emergencies, communication is essential. However, for millions of individuals worldwide who have significant communication disabilities, spoken language may not be effective or efficient. As a result, emergencies can quickly turn into life-threatening situations.

Vocabulary to support socially-valued adult roles.

Individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) have new expectations for life after high school. However, the vocabulary needed to support socially-valued adult roles may not be available in their communication devices. This study explored whether vocabulary needed to participate in six adult roles currently existed in three widely used symbol sets.

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities as victims of abuse.

Abuse of persons with disabilities continues to remain largely invisible, in spite of estimates suggesting that it is perpetrated against them more frequently than against those without disabilities. The aim of this study was to conduct an exploratory investigation regarding the frequency and type of abuse of a selected group of students with intellectual disabilities in one high school in Israel and compare the findings with the frequency and type of abuse reported by non-disabled youth from a similar socioeconomic background. A total of 100 students answered the "Ending the Silence" questionnaire, 50 of them with intellectual and other disabilities.

AAC technologies to enhance participation and access to meaningful societal roles for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who require AAC.

In this paper we review published research describing the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to support societal participation by adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who require AAC. We focus on three major participation domains: post-secondary education and training, the workplace, and community living and social interaction opportunities. Based on the findings of the review, we highlight five needed areas of research and development related to AAC technology: face to face communication; distance communication and interconnectivity; training and support for system use; adapted applications and cognitive tools; and supports for independent operation, development, and maintenance.

So you want to work? What employers say about job skills, recruitment and hiring employees who rely on AAC.

In order to better understand employer perspectives with respect to hiring and working with people who use AAC and the kinds of employment barriers they believe exist for these individuals, a study into the job requirements, recruitment processes, and hiring processes of 27 employers in the United States was conducted. Interviews with the 27 employers focused on 48 jobs in 25 unique categories, many of which had previously been identified as desirable by 38 adults who used AAC (some of whom were employed and some of whom were seeking employment). Findings suggest that, while level of education is still important to employers, skills such as time management, problem solving, communication, use of an understandable and standard voice, and basic technology may be even more so.

Cell phone use by adults with intellectual disabilities.

Although cell phone use has grown dramatically, there is a gap in cell phone access between people with disabilities and the general public. The importance of cell phone use among people with intellectual disabilities and studies about use of cell phones by adults with intellectual disabilities was described. Our goal was to determine the extent and scope of cell phone use by 83 adults with intellectual disabilities, reasons for nonuse, and factors affecting use.

Use of electronic technologies by people with intellectual disabilities.

Today's electronic technologies, including computers, cell phones, Internet, and electronic organizers, hold great promise for individuals with intellectual disabilities, yet little research has been conducted to explore patterns of use among this population. Drawing upon a survey of 83 adults with intellectual disabilities, we examined factors affecting use for three key electronic technologies: computer, Internet, and electronic organizers. Forty-one percent of participants used a computer; 25%, the Internet; and 11%, electronic organizers.

Augmentative and alternative communication and cell phone use: one off-the-shelf solution and some policy considerations.

Use of cell phones has grown dramatically; however, there remains a gap between people with disabilities and the general public in regard to access to cellular telephony. This article describes the importance of cell phone use among people who use augmentative communication devices. An "off-the-shelf" solution is described and illustrated with the goal of improving access to mobile communication among individuals with significant communication disabilities.

Enhancing participation in employment through AAC technologies.

Despite significant challenges, there are a growing number of documented cases of employment success for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). We review recent research on employment and AAC, and discuss the results within a framework that describes what is known about the worker, the workplace, technology, and society in achieving employment success for individuals who use AAC. Information on goals for future research and technology development is also provided.

Adolescent sexuality and disability.

Regardless of what our beliefs about sex and disability may be, as health care providers we can promote the health and well being of our patients with disabilities in several ways. First and perhaps foremost, physical and programmatic barriers to accessing general health care including routine gynecologic care must be dramatically reduced. The promise of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act must be aggressively extended to our health care system to ensure equal access to routine health care for all.