Preliminary survey of speech-language pathologists providing AAC services in health care settings in Nebraska

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) continuing education needs, perceived competence levels, and current AAC practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in health care settings in Nebraska. Surveys were mailed to all licensed SLPs in the state of Nebraska; 60% responded. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents working in health care settings reported having at least one AAC user on their current caseload. The respondents rated their need for AAC continuing education as moderate for many etiologies of communication impairment. Respondents with AAC users on their caseloads perceived a higher level of competence to provide AAC services than respondents without AAC users on their caseloads. Respondents reported many different AAC techniques as successful for people with communication impairments in health care settings.