AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

of using mainstream mobile technologies and having access to communication based
AAC software within the same mainstream device. This initially started on the Apple
platform and Higginbotham and Jacobs (2011) explain how Apple’s development of
the iPad, and the emergence of non-iPad tablets, has not only changed the face of
mobile technology, but by supporting voice output Apps, has also changed the face of
AAC with increased choice for: cheaper products, alternative access options, and
standard or specific software applications.
The literature base is proliferating around the use of mobile technology and Apps
within the field of AAC. Some Apps have been judged appropriate for people with
autism who use AAC (Sennott, 2011) whilst others may not have been developed
around principles of language acquisition and research evidence (Light &
McNaughton, 2012). Researchers are attempting to develop frameworks within which
Apps can be evaluated in relation to individual need (Gosnell, Costello & Shane,
2011a, 2011b; Alliano, Herriger, Koutsoftas & Bartolotta, 2012). Hershberger (2011)
warns ill-considered App solutions may lead to people who use AAC and their
families losing faith in the potential support of AAC. He suggests, in line with
McBride (2011), that whilst remaining enthusiastic about mobile technologies for
people with complex communication needs, AAC procedures must be applied to
evaluate individual needs and guide decisions about technological solutions. Many
Apps targeted at mass markets may not be specific enough for people with complex
communication needs (Beukelman, 2012, cited by McNaughton & Light, 2013).
McNaughton and Light (2013) state the goal of any device must be to focus on
communication rather than the technology. They also outline how the cost of followup
technical support is included in the price of traditional AAC devices which is not
the case with AAC Apps on mobile technologies (there is little, if any, technical
support available post purchase).
Since the release of the iPad there has been a proliferation of competing products.
Higginbotham and Jacobs (2011) describe how Android (developed by Google) is
significantly different from Apple iOS as it is an open source operating system and
therefore available to software developers to use in their products. This will mean that
within small programming communities, like those in the world of AAC, individual
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