Includes bibliographical references and index.

Knowledge/Skill Barriers : Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families / Susan S. Johnston, Vanessa J. Ince, and Cas McNamara -- Knowledge/Skill Barriers : Exploring the Evidence Base / Susan S. Johnston, Cheri Wild Blue, Adele F. Dimian, Ashley R. McCoy, Jessica J. Simacek, and Melinda R. Snodgrass -- Knowledge/Skill Barriers : Studying Successful Case Examples / Susan S. Johnston, Adele F. Dimian, Ashley R. McCoy, Jessica J. Simacek, and Melinda R. Snodgrass -- Practice Barriers : Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families / Cindy Gevarter, Cassandra Medrano, and Toña Rivera -- Practice Barriers : Exploring the Evidence Base / Cindy Gevarter -- Practice Barriers : Studying Successful Case Examples / Cindy Gevarter, Jennifer W. Hanson, Stephanie M. McDougle, and Mariah Siciliano -- Attitude Barriers : Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families / Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, Eric J. Sanders, Jay Grochala, Kevin Williams, and Jamie Preece -- Attitude Barriers : Exploring the Evidence Base / Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, and Lateef McLeod -- Attitude Barriers : Studying Successful Case Examples / Eric J. Sanders, Lateef McLeod, Samuel Sennott, David J. Hajjar, Joanne K. Niemkiewicz, Krista Howard, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, and Brandi Wentland -- AAC Policy Barriers : Learning From Individuals Who Use AAC and Their Families / Lateef McLeod, Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, India Ochs, and Bob Williams -- Policy Barriers : Exploring the Evidence Base / Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, and Eric J. Sanders -- Policy Barriers : Studying Successful Case Examples / Eric J. Sanders, Samuel Sennott, Lateef McLeod, Christina Royster, Gretchen Hanser, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, and Monica Kaniamattam -- Individualizing the Approach to Breaking Down Barriers / Susan S. Johnston.

"Individuals with complex communication needs who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) frequently encounter barriers that limit their ability to achieve their full potential in communication and in life. These barriers include access barriers (limitations in the current capabilities of the AAC user or the communication systems that they use) as well as opportunity barriers (e.g., policy, practice, knowledge/skill, and attitude barriers that extend beyond the AAC user). It is essential to consider both access and opportunity barriers when designing systems and supports for individuals who use AAC. However, often the emphasis of research and practice is on addressing issues related to access barriers with far less attention to opportunity barriers. This is the first book to focus specifically on practical strategies for breaking down opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC"-- Provided by publisher.