A Survey of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Service Provision in Hong Kong
By Siu, Elaine; Tam, Eric; Sin, Dorene; Ng, Cecilia; Lam, Emily; Chui, Mandy; Fong, Anita; Lam, Lorinda; Lam, Catherine; Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 289-298Publication Date: December 2010
Study was conducted to understand the service provisions for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in Hong Kong. An 18 item questionnaire was mailed to persons in charge of special preschool training centers, special schools, and services for adults with complex communication needs in Hong Kong. A total of 105 questionnaires were returned, 35 from pre-school training centers, 7 from special schools for children with physical disabilities, 29 from special schools for children with intellectual disabilities, 1 from a school for the hearing impaired, and 33 from adult service settings. The response rate of special preschool training centers and special schools were 59 and 71 percent, respectively, while the response rate of adult settings was 18 percent. Results indicated that a higher proportion of students identified as having complex communication needs had access to AAC service provision in schools for children with intellectual and physical disabilities than those in special preschool training centers and other types of special schools. Generalization of AAC service beyond the classroom setting was found to be problematic. Of respondents, the majority of whom were speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers, 72 percent were dissatisfied with the training in AAC that they received during their basic professional preparation. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) (Website:http://www.isaac-online.org)
