title: Bridging the gap from values to actions: a family systems framework for family-centered AAC services.
abstract: Despite the growing recognition of the importance of family involvement in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention, little guidance exists on how professionals can establish successful collaborative relationships with families. In this paper, we discuss family systems theory and ecological systems theory as a framework to guide family-centered AAC practice, review family-focused research in AAC, consider how AAC may impact the family system, and provide examples of the clinical implications of using the proposed family systems framework to improve family-centered AAC practice.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Kelsey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mandak
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Light
authors.affiliation: b Department of Human Development and Family Studies , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Fosco
mesh_terms: D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D013598:Systems Theory
keywords: Augmentative and alternative communication; clinical implications; ecological systems theory; family systems theory; family-centered practice