JCPSLP Vol 21 No 3 2019

predominantly draws upon the experiences of participants who continue to use unaided and low-tech systems in spite of the aforementioned barriers. When future studies are published, it may be beneficial to consider those that consolidate the views of individuals who abandoned or rejected their AAC system. Through Moorcroftet al.’s systematic review, numerous barriers and facilitators were identified as impacting AAC use across a combination of heterogeneous populations. While the ICF formed a critical component of the framework analysis, there may be added benefits from considering further analysis of the data set to support speech pathologists looking to address the primary barriers

(or enhance identified facilitators) within their specific caseloads. Further analysis might involve looking at trends in the factors according to groups of clinical settings (e.g., inpatient vs community), populations (such as children vs adolescents vs adults) or diagnoses such as developmental vs acquired disabilities. This will further facilitate the clinical applications of the study by assisting speech pathologists to address ICF-specific barriers and maximise identified AAC facilitators in their own workplace. Nonetheless, this study plays a critical role in informing SLP practice and serves as a reminder to all clinicians to make holistic considerations throughout an individual’s AAC journey.

Resource review

Learn augmentative and alternative communication (AAC ) Amanda Hartmann Click on the Learn AAC tab on the AssistiveWare website to reach Learn augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) (https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac), which contains a collection of articles written to give both an overview and depth of information in the area of AAC. The focus is on support and implementation of AAC. Whether you are an experienced therapist, or just starting your career, Learn AAC articles may give you the information you need. Articles are well researched and easy to read, and focus on how we can support best practice and person- centred planning for AAC users. They also contain high-quality visuals and downloadable checklists and fact sheets. These articles may be the perfect thing to read to learn more, update your professional knowledge or perhaps to give as references and reading to a team you work with. Information contained in each article can be applied to any AAC user, regardless of diagnosis, and no matter what AAC tool or system that they use. Articles start with introductory information into the area of AAC before splitting content into three areas: AAC for everyone, Symbol-based AAC, and Text-based AAC. “AAC for everyone” contains powerful planning, support and advocacy articles. These articles are designed to give information that can support any AAC user. You will find articles about supported decision-making, communication accessible environments, and practical strategies for communication partner skills. For AAC teams, it looks at the roles of AAC finders, AAC supporters and AAC mentors. The “Symbol-based AAC” section covers information for those AAC users who use symbols (or pictures) within their AAC. There are comprehensive articles focused on strategies and key concepts when a learner needs

symbols. You will find articles dedicated to best practices in symbol-based AAC implementation such as modelling, communication functions, and core word teaching. This section also includes a useful guide for symbol-based AAC, which can be help to set priorities, plan and problem solve and find more information. The “Text-based AAC” section comprises articles written for those AAC users who type to communicate. These are unique, as the content in some of these articles was based on research and interviews with AAC users themselves. There are powerful quotes and useful insight. You will find articles about how we can use social media with AAC users, valuable information about part-time AAC use, and more. In the growing field of AAC, there is always a challenge in staying up to date and accessing easy to find and read articles. Learn AAC provides this and it is all in one place. Information includes current thoughts and research in the field of AAC, and also insights from AAC users. Take time to explore the Learn AAC section.

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JCPSLP Volume 21, Number 3 2019

Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology