Needs Assessment of Special Educators Regarding Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device Development

Park, Eun Hye; Kim, Jeong Yeon; Kim, Joo Hye

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 2005;10(1): 97-115.

Eun Hye Park^` , Jeong Yeon Kim^` , and Joo Hye Kim^`

박은혜(Eun Hye Park)| 김정연(Jeong Yeon Kim)| 김주혜(Joo Hye Kim)

ABSTRACT

Augmentative and alternative communication(AAC) has become a valuable instructional strategy for students with severe disabilities. This study was designed to investigate the current status of AAC intervention in Korean special schools and special educators' needs for AAC device development. Respondents were 272 special educators from various regions and different types of special school. The survey instrument was developed by the researchers based on the literature and feedback from related professionals. Results suggested a) the need for greater AAC intervention for students with severe communication difficulties, b) the need for AAC supports for teachers in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and resources, and c) the strong need for domestic communication device development and production. Educational implications for special educators were discussed.