Applying alternative and augmentative methods of communication in the education and daily life of children and students with multiple disabilities

Abstract

This article presents research on the application of augmentative and alternative communication methods in the learning and daily life of children and students with multiple disabilities. For this purpose, a survey was conducted between January and March 2022 among educational professionals working with children with multiple disabilities and the families of these children. Two original questionnaires were developed to analyse the attitudes and awareness of both groups towards augmentative and alternative communication systems. 238 educational professionals and 58 parents participated in the study. The analysis of the results highlighted a high level of awareness among professionals of alternative forms of communication, their positive attitudes towards the use of augmentative and alternative methods and means of communication, and progress in children and students with multiple disabilities. Pictures and pictograms are the most commonly used among professionals, while body language, signals, and natural gestures are the leading forms of communication among parents. The results show, on the one hand, the good results of the use of complementary and alternative methods and means of communication for the development of children with multiple disabilities and, on the other hand, the need for greater frequency in their application and improvement of skills in their use, both in children and adults.

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