Demographics of preschoolers who require AAC.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the investigation was to gather demographic information pertaining to preschoolers who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).


METHODS
To obtain this information, a survey was developed and then distributed to preschool speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Pennsylvania.


RESULTS
Results indicated that approximately 12% of preschoolers receiving special education services required AAC. These children came from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, had a wide variety of disabilities, used a range of AAC systems, and required services from a wide range of educational professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate the pressing need for all preschool SLPs to be prepared to provide services for children who require AAC.
Binger
Cathy
C
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. cbinger@unm.edu
Light
Janice
J
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003625:Data Collection; D003710:Demography; D004519:Education, Special / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology