ATIA Research
Assistive Technology Research Matters
Find guidance on starting or expanding assistive technology (AT) research activities in this compilation of resources developed by ATIA and the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI). Presented as an interactive document, Assistive Technology Research Matters covers key concepts and tools, best practices in design, funding support, and how to get started with even a small staff. In conjunction with the launch of this document, NCTI and ATIA hosted a series of free webinars to explore these topics, which are available to view as recordings.
Previous AT Research Conversations
“The Critical Need for Knowledge and Usage of AT and AAC Among Speech-Language Pathologists”
In 2017, ATIA released the results of a 2011 survey of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) that was conducted to explore attitudes and use of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). 549 SLPs participated in the survey, all of whom were part of either the Schools special interest group or AAC special interest group divisions of ASHA.
Some of the results of the survey are of particular interest to those of us in the school setting.
- Most respondents felt that their undergraduate and graduate education did not prepare them to competently provide AAC services within their practice.
- 86% of respondents would like to know more about AT and AAC services and equipment.
- Only a tenth of respondents believe that there are “sufficient ranks of SLPs with AT and AAC knowledge to meet the needs of consumers.”
- Many respondents reported that AAC services were inconsistently delivered in their setting due at least in part to lack of expertise.