Speech and Hearing Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 2026

Abstract

Purpose: The augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) discipline currently lacks psychometrically sound aided language measures. This thesis is designed to address one step in developing such measures: to begin to establish the clinical feasibility of three pragmatic measures – communicative intent, independence/co-construction, and imitation/non-imitation. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to identify the useability of these pragmatic measures.

Method: A qualitative approach in the form of a focus group was used to examine the perceptions of SLP practitioners who are experts in AAC. Rapid qualitative analysis (RQA) was used to identify relevant themes and subthemes.

Results: Overall, the themes highlighted the importance of sound measures to ensure aided AAC accessibility and funding, support communication partners’ ability to observe aided language progress, and allow clinicians to accurately track communicative progress. The AAC clinical experts also expressed several measurement concerns and considerations to guide future development of the measures.

Conclusion: AAC clinical experts provided valuable perceptions regarding the clinical usability of the three pragmatic measures which will be used to further support the development of these measures.

Degree Name

Speech-Language Pathology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Speech and Hearing Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Cathy Binger

Second Committee Member

Rick Arenas

Third Committee Member

Kimberly Mattison

Language

English

Keywords

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, AAC, Aided Language, Aided Language Measures, Speech-Language Pathology

Document Type

Thesis

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