title: Playing the Long Game: Considering the Future of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Research and Service.
abstract: This article examines the growth of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in providing support to children and youth with significant communication needs. Addressing current trends and offering a discussion of needs and probable future advances is framed around five guiding principles initially introduced by Williams, Krezman, and McNaughton. These include: (1) communication is a basic right and the use of AAC, especially at a young age, can help individuals realize their communicative potential; (2) AAC, like traditional communication, requires it to be fluid with the ability to adapt to different environments and needs; (3) AAC must be individualized and appropriate for each user; (4) AAC must support full participation in society across all ages and interests; and (5) individuals who use AAC have the right to be involved in all aspects of research, development, and intervention. In each of these areas current advances, needs, and future predictions are offered and discussed in terms of researchers' and practitioners' efforts to a continued upward trajectory of research and translational service delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reichle
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Drager
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Caron
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Quannah
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Parker-McGowan
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D012106:Research