Purposes of AAC device use for persons with ALS as reported by caregivers

Melanie Fried-Oken, Lynn Fox, Marie T. Rau, Jill Tullman, Glory Baker, Mary Hindal, Nancy Wile, Jau Shin Lou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thirty-four informal caregivers who support 26 persons with ALS reported on AAC technology use. Each caregiver completed the Communication Device Use Checklist, a survey tool developed for this study based on Light's (1988) classification of the purposes of social interaction (Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 4, 66 - 82). The checklist includes 17 purposes of communication and asks participants to judge importance, mode, and frequency of use for each purpose. Results show that the three communication purposes used most frequently and valued as important by caregivers involve regulating the behavior of others for basic needs and wants (getting needs met; giving instructions or directions to others; and clarifying needs). Consistent reports of use and frequency for the purposes of staying connected (social closeness) and discussing important issues (information transfer) indicate that AAC technology can assist the dyad in maintaining previous relationships. The face-to-face spontaneous conversation mode is used most frequently, despite the slow rate of production, the lack of permanence, and the demands on conversational partners during message generation. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)209-221
Number of pages13
JournalAAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006

Keywords

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Augmentative and alternative communication
  • Caregivers
  • Communication purposes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Speech and Hearing

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