Abstract:
This qualitative study aimed to describe speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) perspectives on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use for people with post-stroke aphasia focusing on:
(a) current AAC practice, (b) factors that influence the use of AAC, and (c) the success and relevance
of AAC interventions. Semi-structured interviews took place with ten South African SLPs with experience in aphasia intervention. The transcribed interviews were thematically analyzed using a six-phase
process of inductive and deductive analysis within a phenomenological framework. All the participants
use AAC with their clients, employing a variety of approaches that reflect their diverse settings, experiences, and perspectives on AAC. AAC use is complex, and SLPs make conscious choices considering
multiple factors. Barriers to use were often associated with limited resources in the low- and middleincome country (LMIC) context, but most participants retained a positive view of AAC, actively working
to circumvent barriers to use. Participants consistently emphasized the vital role of partners in communication interactions, linked to the importance of defining AAC broadly. It is necessary to advance the
integration of AAC into rehabilitation plans to improve communication and social participation outcomes for people with post-stroke aphasia, especially in LMICs such as South Africa.
