Dada, ShakilaTonsing, Kerstin MonikaGoldbart, Juliet2023-05-112023-05-112022Shakila Dada, Kerstin Tonsing & Juliet Goldbart (2022) Friendship Experiences of Young Adults Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication, International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 69:3, 951-975, DOI: 10.1080/1034912X.2020.1746246.1034-912X (print)1465-346X (online)10.1080/1034912X.2020.1746246http://hdl.handle.net/2263/90632BACKGROUND : Friendship is a crucial relationship for young adults with disabilities as it offers practical support and enjoyment, and it is essential to well-being and health. The present study examined the friendships of young adults with physical disabilities whose challenges with natural speech necessitate the use of augmentative and alternative communication. METHODS : Ten adults aged 19–32 were interviewed about their friendships. The semi-structured interviews were often co-constructed conversations between the participant, the carer and the interviewer. A process of largely inductive thematic analysis was followed, although this was guided by the existing literature on friendship experiences of persons using AAC. RESULTS : Four themes were identified, namely companionship, quality of friendship, desire for independence, and the role of technology in mediating friendships. CONCLUSION : The participants in this study experienced positive relationships with friends. The importance of being understood by their friends and the role of social media in maintaining these friendships were highlighted.en© 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an electronic version of an article published in International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 951-975, 2022, doi : 10.1080/1034912X.2020.1746246. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.comloi/cijd20.Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)Co-constructionCommunication disabilitiesFriendshipSocial mediaPostprint Article