Individuals with complex communication needs who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) frequently encounter barriers that limit their ability to achieve their full potential in communication and in life. These barriers include access barriers (limitations in the current capabilities of the AAC user or the communication systems that they use) as well as opportunity barriers (e.g., policy, practice, knowledge/skill, and attitude barriers that extend beyond the AAC user). It is essential to consider both access and opportunity barriers when designing systems and supports for individuals who use AAC. However, often the emphasis of research and practice is on addressing issues related to access barriers with far less attention to opportunity barriers. Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers is the first book to focus specifically on practical strategies for breaking down opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC. The text is divided into four sections, with each section devoted to a frequently encountered opportunity barrier (knowledge/skill, practice, attitude, and policy). Within each section, readers will (a) develop a deeper understanding of the impact of the barrier through the eyes of individuals who use AAC or their families, (b) acquire knowledge based on current research and recommended practices related to addressing the barrier, and (c) learn how professionals have successfully addressed the barrier via case examples from the field. The final chapter provides readers with information (as well as tools and examples) about how to go "beyond the book" and actively address the unique opportunity barriers they encounter. Key Features Includes in-depth interviews with individuals who use AAC and their families Identifies evidence-based and promising practices for addressing opportunity barriers Provides tips, tools, and resources for addressing opportunity barriers Illustrates successful strategies for addressing opportunity barriers through case examples and step-by-step guidelines for implementation Includes contributions from professionals in the field who have successfully addressed opportunity barriers in home, school, workplace, and community settings Who Should Read This Book This book is designed to support those who find themselves frustrated by the opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC and are searching for ways to break down those barriers, including people who rely on AAC, speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, family members, university students, faculty in higher education, and other professionals in school, healthcare, and community settings.

Table of Contents:
Preface About the Authors Contributors Section I. Understanding and Addressing Knowledge/Skill Barriers Chapter 1. Knowledge/Skill Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families Susan S. Johnston, Vanessa J. Ince, and Cas McNamara Chapter 2. Knowledge/Skill Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base Susan S. Johnston, Cheri Wild Blue, Adele F. Dimian, Ashley R. McCoy, Jessica J. Simacek, and Melinda R. Snodgrass Chapter 3. Knowledge/Skill Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples Susan S. Johnston, Adele F. Dimian, Ashley R. McCoy, Jessica J. Simacek, and Melinda R. Snodgrass Section II. Understanding and Addressing Practice Barriers Chapter 4. Practice Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families Cindy Gevarter, Cassandra Medrano, and Tona Rivera Chapter 5. Practice Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base Cindy Gevarter Chapter 6. Practice Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples Cindy Gevarter, Jennifer W. Hanson, Stephanie M. McDougle, and Mariah Siciliano Section III. Understanding and Addressing Attitude Barriers Chapter 7. Attitude Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, Eric J. Sanders, Jay Grochala, Kevin Williams, and Jamie Preece Chapter 8. Attitude Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, and Lateef McLeod Chapter 9. Attitude Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples Eric J. Sanders, Lateef McLeod, Samuel Sennott, David J. Hajjar, Joanne K. Niemkiewicz, Krista Howard, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, and Brandi Wentland Section IV. Understanding and Addressing Policy Barriers Chapter 10. AAC Policy Barriers: Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families Lateef McLeod, Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, India Ochs, and Bob Williams Chapter 11. Policy Barriers: Exploring the Evidence Base Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, and Eric J. Sanders Chapter 12. Policy Barriers: Studying Successful Case Examples Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, Christina Royster, Gretchen Hanser, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, and Monica Kaniamattam Conclusion Chapter 13. Individualizing the Approach to Breaking Down Barriers Susan S. Johnston