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The perspectives of key stakeholders on contemporary topics in augmentative and alternative communication in Australia: A qualitative investigation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The perspectives of key stakeholders on contemporary topics in augmentative and alternative communication in Australia: A qualitative investigation

Clancy Conlon, Charlene Cullen, Leanna Fox, Darryl Sellwood, Abirami Thirumanickam and Andy Smidt
International journal of speech language pathology, Vol.First online, pp.1-16
07/07/2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2026.2692575
PMID: 42411781
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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The perspectives of key stakeholders on contemporary topicsView
Published (Version of record) Open CC BY V4.0

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Abstract

complex communication needs AAC speech language pathology communication perspectives augmentative and alternative communication
Purpose: To explore contemporary topics in augmentative and alternative communication through the perspectives of six Australian stakeholders. Method: Following a panel session at the Speech Pathology Australia Conference, panellists responded to a Qualtrics survey which was analysed in Nvivo. Questions had been curated from speech-language pathologists and panel members to address current challenges in augmentative and alternative communication service delivery. Result: Thematic network analysis identified two global themes. Global theme 1 - 'The role of the speech-language pathologist in the contemporary augmentative and alternative communication workforce' linked to four organising themes: 'The augmentative and alternative communication user at centre stage', 'augmentative and alternative communication is not a solo sport', 'champions in the funding arena', and 'right tools, right way, right place'. The second global theme - 'Always learning, always adapting' linked to three organising themes: 'Need to learn about current tools', 'values and attitudes of the speech-language pathologist', and 'how to keep growing'. The intersection between professional roles, training, and contextual factors such as funding, workplace contexts, and systematic policies was highlighted. Conclusion: This research recognises the multifaceted and evolving role of speech-language pathologists in augmentative and alternative communication, shaped by a changing practice landscape. There is need for sustained professional support to equip practitioners for diverse demands, including advocacy and navigation of funding and service systems.

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