AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

ejected because it is not perceived to be cool. Clarke et al. (2001) found some young
people who used AAC devices thought they looked studid and were embarrassing to
use. As Pullin (2009) says
“All the qualities of a communication aid – its sounds, appearance, and
interactions - contribute to the shared experience of its use” (p. 6)
and Higginbotham (2010) concurs
“Pullin’s book and design philosophy have a lot to offer AAC research …
attraction to the iPhone and iPad appears to be based not only on cost and
function but also on visual attractiveness and identification with other users of
this “cool” technology” (p.228)
The lack of evidence supporting the use of mainstream mobile technologies within
this study is a source of tension in regard to the central phenomenon relating to the
desire to use the internet and online social media. It is also worrying if the underlying
reason for the lack of more extensive use is due to the issues alluded to by two
participants about access factors and lack of knowledge. People with physical
disabilities and complex communication needs could become increasingly isolated
and frustrated if they cannot achieve the same online access as the majority of society.
Livingstone and Helsper (2007) warn a digital divide amongst young people who can
and cannot access digital resources threatens social inclusion as most young people
expect their peers to be online and social media use is integral to their relationships.
Soderstrom (2009) says young people who are unable to engage with online activity
are at risk of being marginalised and excluded from their peer communities.
This situation revealed within the current study also has implications in terms of the
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which places an obligation
on member states to ensure people have access to cultural materials (United Nations,
2006). The AAC-RERC White Paper (2011) states, people who use AAC
“have a need for, and a right to, the same range of communication options available
to everyone else” (p.3)
and Williams, Krezman and McNaughton (2008) are emphatic about the fact AAC
must offer full participation in 21 st century life and enable people to use: the internet,
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