Voices from the field: exploring service providers' insights into service delivery and AAC use in Canada.

Use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) often relies on the involvement of AAC service providers; however little is known about how AAC services are delivered across Canada. This study aimed to explore AAC service provision and factors influencing use of AAC from the perspectives of service providers across Canada who are involved in providing and/or supporting use of AAC systems. The 22 participants from nine (of the 10) provinces participated in online focus groups.

Canadian manufacturer and technician perspectives on the design and use of augmentative and alternative communication technology.

Purpose: Device manufacturers and technicians (MaTs) of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems play key roles in the design and successful uptake of communication devices. This study aims to investigate MaT perspectives on AAC device design and effective use.

Materials And Methods: To investigate their perspectives, a focus group of MaTs within Canada was conducted.

Models and frameworks for guiding assessment for aided Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC): a scoping review.

Background: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports individuals with complex communication needs. Conceptual models and frameworks exist to evaluate, implement, and assess the needs of persons with communication disabilities, however, it is unknown which models were grounded in previous evidence-based research.

Objective: What are the models and frameworks grounded in empirical or conceptual research that enable communication outcomes for persons who require aided AAC systems?

Eligibility Criteria: The study had to be the original publication of a defined model or framework that included aided AAC and the model had to be developed through research, either conceptual or empirical.