Egyptian Speech Therapists Want More Knowledge About Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract

Thirty speech therapists from Cairo, Egypt were surveyed about their knowledge, experiences, and attitudes about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Only 10 of the 23 respondents (44%) who supported individuals with little or no functional speech felt that they were sufficiently qualified in the field of AAC, while 22 or 74% of the respondents believed that it is important for speech therapists to learn more about AAC. The speech therapists reported that, although teachers and parents had shown resistance towards using AAC, many changed their opinions after realizing that use of AAC methods could help to reduce aggressiveness among clients/students and assist them to express emotions and needs. Accordingly, speech therapists require AAC-based information and tools to enable them to create environments that will support communication and enhance the ability of people with complex communication needs to interact with family members, peers, teachers, and others.