Effects of a Mobile Tablet Device and an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Application in Individuals with an Acquired Communication Disorder: Influence on Communication Abilities and Quality of Life
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mobile tablet device and an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application on the communicative abilities and quality of life of individuals with acquired communication disorders. A pre-experimental single subject research design was replicated across one client with progressive dysarthria, and two clients with non-fluent aphasia to investigate effects of specific communicative abilities (message intelligibility for the client with dysarthria and correct information units for the clients with aphasia) in addition to quality of life. Results suggest that improvements were noted in percent message intelligibility and correct information units across clients after the implementation of an AAC application. Additionally, improvements were also noted in quality of life measures post-intervention with the AAC app. These findings suggest positive effects of intervention using an AAC application on the communicative abilities and quality of life of clients with acquired communication disorders. This pattern is consistent with previous research in the field of AAC.. These results are discussed in regards to clinical applications and research directions.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Wendt, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Speech therapy
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