Knowledge of AAC Devices in Pakistani Speech Therapists

Abstract

Background: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a term which is used for the communication techniques that usually substitute or enhance speech widely. Classical Greeks and Romans used AAC for the deaf persons. There are many AAC systems and they include both unaided communication system, there is no need of any, it also includes sign and body language, while aided normally require a wide range of external tools such as communication boards, pictures and speech producing devices etc. Objective: To find out knowledge of AAC devices in Pakistani Speech therapists Methodology: A Cross-sectional Survey was conducted through questionnaire from January 2012 to June 2012 in Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Riphah College of Rehabilitation Science, Riphah International University Islamabad. The target population was the Speech and Language therapists working in the six major cities of Pakistan. The questionnaire was circulated in 125 speech therapists from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar and total of 46 speech therapists responded back. The response rate was 36.8 %. The statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS-17. Results: Over all response of speech therapist regarding and use of AAC devices were 40% to 50% Conclusion: Therapist should be experienced in assessing and working with individuals using AAC with limited devices, and he/she should be involved with multi-professional teams working with AAC. It is very important to conduct workshops, seminars and courses for training of SLTs. Keywords: AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communications), Speech and Language Therapist, awareness of AAC devices