Augmentative and Alternative Communication Services For Children From Multicultural Backgrounds With Severe Communication Disorders

Date of Graduation

Spring 2004

Degree

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Committee Chair

Lisa Wood

Abstract

This study acquired and evaluated demographic information regarding augmentative and alternative communication services for children from multicultural populations with severe communication disorders. A survey of special education directors from 102 school districts in Southwest Missouri was sent and evaluated to determine the level of need for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service for children with severe communication disorders and special education services for diverse populations within the southwest Missouri area. The return rate realized was 44% or 45 respondents. The study focused on the delivery of fundamental services to multicultural children with severe communication disorders in Southwest Missouri public schools. These services included special education, speech/language therapy, and augmentative and alternative communication intervention. The study summarized and analyzed the diversity, disabilities, AAC, and issues specific to AAC and multiculturalism. The study results may serve as a source of intormation of services for multicultural children with severe communication disorders, available and needed in Missouri school districts. Due to the rapidly changing demographics in Southwest Missouri, it was vital to identify and initiate communication with and among the school districts in order to provide optimal services to diverse students with disabilities especially those who need AAC services.

Keywords

AAC, speech, language, multicultural, communication disorders

Subject Categories

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Copyright

© Vanessa A. McFall

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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