Introduction: Communication is a fundamental human need that enables individuals to
express their wishes, opinions and emotions, as well as to participate in the social
environment. In individuals with severe speech and language disorders, augmentative and
alternative communication plays an important role in improving independence, participation
and quality of life. Occupational therapists contribute to the selection, adaptation and
training in the use of appropriate communication systems and support participation in
everyday activities. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma thesis is to explore the
experiences of occupational therapists in Slovenia with the use of augmentative and
alternative communication and to gain insight into their role in the selection of different
forms of AAC and the purposes of their use in occupational therapy practice. The thesis also
focuses on identifying barriers and challenges in the selection, adaptation and
implementation of augmentative and alternative communication, as well as on the observed
responses of users and their relatives. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used.
Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven occupational
therapists who had experience in the field of augmentative and alternative communication
and met the inclusion criteria. The collected data were analysed using qualitative content
analysis. Results: Five main categories were developed: experiences with different forms of
augmentative and alternative communication, the role of the occupational therapist, benefits
of use, challenges and barriers, and knowledge and competences for its use. The participants
most often encounter low-tech and high-tech forms of augmentative and alternative
communication. They recognise the role of the occupational therapist mainly in assessing
users’ abilities, adapting access to the device, ensuring appropriate positioning and
transferring the use of the device into everyday activities. The main benefits they identified
were the possibility of expression, greater satisfaction, fewer behavioural difficulties, greater
independence and better inclusion in the social environment. Among the barriers, they
mentioned users’ limitations, rejection of the device, slower communication, financial and
technological difficulties, insufficient use in the home environment and lack of knowledge
among professionals and communication partners. Discussion and conclusion:
Augmentative and alternative communication is an important form of support for individuals
with severe speech and language disorders, as it enables more effective communication,
greater independence and more active participation in everyday life. Its successful use
depends on the individual adaptation of the communication system, users’ abilities,
interdisciplinary collaboration, support from relatives and consistent use of the device in the
natural environment. Occupational therapists have an important role in this process;
however, the findings indicate a need for more formal education and practically oriented
training. Further research involving users, relatives and other professionals would be
meaningful.
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