Training AAC users in user-centred design

User-centred design (UCD) with a focus on usability provides product developers with a design approach in which users are involved in every stage of the process: when gathering requirements; when evaluating alternative designs; and when evaluating interactive prototypes.The characteristics of people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) make it difficult to follow a truly UCD approach, which in part may contribute to the high rejection of AAC devices. Training workshops have been delivered to introduce users and AAC professionals to the UCD process.Initial feedback indicates that they feel more empowered to evaluate systems and to engage in the design of new systems after attending the workshop

Tweet reach : a research protocol for using Twitter to increase information exchange in people with communication disabilities

Objective: To (a) outline the background to research evaluating Twitter use by people with severe physical and communication disabilities participating actively in online communication forums for increasing information exchange and (b) illustrate a range of potential methods that might be applied in furthering research on the use of social media by people with developmental and acquired communication disabilities. Methods: The literature on communication disabilities, augmentative and alternative communication, and social media research informed the rationale for and design of three studies investigating the use of Twitter by people with communication disabilities. Results: To date, there is little information in the literature about how people with a range of communication disabilities might use Twitter to increase their access to information and help them to feel knowledgeable and in control of their own lives. In this paper, three studies are proposed to investigate the use of Twitter by people with communication disabilities

Family caregivers discuss roles and needs in supporting adults with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs in the hospital setting

The aim of this study was to explore the views of family caregivers of adults with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs (CCN) on their roles in the hospital setting and what would help them in these roles. As part of a larger study we conducted one focus group with six family caregivers who together explored issues surrounding involvement of family caregivers on the hospital ward. Participants described being involved in supporting communication and providing valuable information and guidance to hospital staff in caring for adults with cerebral palsy and CCN. The participants also suggested strategies to support family caregivers in their roles, to improve collaboration, and to benefit the patient with cerebral palsy and CCN. In this paper the authors present results of the focus group and discuss implications for policy and practice. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 200

Communicating about loss : experiences of older australian adults with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs

Loss and grief is a universal human experience, yet little is known about how older adults with a lifelong disability, such as cerebral palsy, and complex communication needs (CCN) experience loss and manage the grieving process. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Australian participants with cerebral palsy and CCN to determine the types of loss experienced by this group in their later years, sources of support available to manage loss, and the role of communication as a barrier or facilitator to a successful grieving process. The results are discussed in light of current grief and loss theory, and clinical implications and opportunities for further research are suggested

Older unpaid carers’ experiences supporting adults with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs in hospital

Older unpaid carers provide vital support to their adult sons or daughters with cerebral palsy who have complex communication needs during hospital stays. To date, there is little research into their experiences or the impact of providing such care on the carer and other family members. Knowledge of the experiences of the older unpaid carer is needed to inform development of a) strategies for supporting older carers of adults with disability who are unable to speak in hospital, and b) other alternatives for provision of support to these adults during periods of hospitalization. Such information could be used in training health care providers to adequately care for the adult with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs when the older carer is no longer able to provide support. This review will summarize the literature relating to older unpaid carers of adults with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs in hospital, and identify directions for future research and development in the field of supporting older carers of adults with complex communication needs