What is it about?
This study examines the perceptions of eight Latina mothers on early augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services for young children, including their decision-making process and knowledge of AAC. It looks into Latino/x family structures, the special education system, and how these systems intertwine to guide AAC decision-making in early intervention services
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Why is it important?
The study highlights the importance of providing Latina mothers with meaningful opportunities to participate in the early intervention process related to the communication and language needs of their children. To establish trust, professionals should communicate clearly, accurately, and straightforwardly. Additionally, a family-centered approach rooted in the language and culture is crucial. Professionals can achieve this by providing culturally and linguistically accessible AAC training, learning about the family's specific values and beliefs regarding AAC, and facilitating their learning so that AAC is achievable and practical.
Perspectives
AAC service provision is undoubtedly a family-centered approach. This article shows that when we center the family and AAC user, educators get closer to providing culturally linguistically appropriate AAC services. This process must start with understanding family perceptions and prioritizing family involvement in the initial AAC evaluation to AAC implementation and family training.
Maria De Leon
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Perspectives and Experiences of Eight Latina Mothers of Young Children With Augmentative and Alternative Communication Needs, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, September 2023, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2023_persp-23-00074.
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