Models and frameworks for guiding assessment for aided Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC): a scoping review.
Seamus P L BurnhamPaulina FinakJillian T HendersonNavjit GauravBeata BatorowiczShane D PinderTheresa Claire DaviesPublished in: Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology (2023)
There is a need to standardize descriptive traits: personal abilities, environmental characteristics, potential assistive technology, and contextual factors. Models should include teams of different disciplines to provide holistic assessments. Models should include outcomes and include iterative solutions.Implications for RehabilitationStandardizing the definitions of descriptive traits used in the assessment of the personal abilities, environmental characteristics, potential assistive technology, and contextual factors would enable better evaluation of outcomes across disciplines and abilities.By identifying what factors are instrumental in the successful recommendation of assistive technology, professionals may achieve a well-organized and efficient assessment tool.An assessment model tailored specifically to individuals who may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) should be considered that are rooted in existing theories, research evidence, and the experiences of those in the AAC community.An AAC specific model would allow for consistent outcome tracking across individuals or assessment teams and the comparison of the effectiveness of various models for research purposes.