Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
Date of this Version
2014
Citation
Published in American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology 23 (supplement, May 2014 ), pp. S213–S224; Select Papers From the 43rd Clinical Aphasiology Conference. doi:10.1044/2014_AJSLP-13-0089
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how the interface design of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device influences the communication behaviors of people with aphasia during a narrative retell task.
Method: A case-series design was used. Four narratives were created on an AAC device with combinations of personally relevant (PR) photographs, line drawings (LDs), and text for each participant. The narrative retells were analyzed to describe the expressive modality units (EMUs) used, trouble sources experienced, and whether trouble sources were repaired. The researchers also explored the participants’ perceived helpfulness of the interface features.
Results: The participants primarily used spoken EMUs to retell their narratives. They relied on PR photographs more frequently than LDs; however, they reported both picture types to be equally helpful. Text was frequently used and reported as helpful by all 4 people with aphasia. Participants experienced similar rates of trouble sources across conditions; however, they displayed unique trends for successful repairs of trouble sources.
onclusion: For narrative retells, LDs may serve as an effective visual support when PR photographs are unavailable. Individual assessment is necessary to determine the optimum combination of supports in AAC systems for people with aphasia.
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons, Speech and Hearing Science Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons
Comments
Copyright © 2014 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Used by permission.