AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

2.6. Summary of the literature review chapter
The literature review has illustrated there is evidence which supports how aided AAC
can support people with complex communication needs within face-to-face
conversations and social relationships (Branson & Demchak, 2009; Light &
McNaughton, 2012). The rapidly moving digital revolution within society is
intersecting with AAC technology and causing a seismic shift within this highly
specialised field and much has been written over the last few years about the
symbiosis of these two areas (DeRuyter et al. 2007; Higginbotham et al. 2007, 2011;
Shane et al. 2012). The integration of mainstream media tools into dedicated AAC
technology, and the appearance of voice output communication Apps within the
mainstream mobile technology field (AAC-RERC 2011), has created opportunities for
people who use AAC to engage with the internet and online social media in new and
exciting ways. The views of young people who use AAC are under-represented in
relation to these recent changes within the AAC industry.
There is a thriving literature base regarding the use of the internet and online social
media by young people within westernised societies, much of which has looked at
issues of online social ties, online identity formation and self-determination although
not much attention has been focused on young people with physical disabilities
(Soderstrom, 2009; Bowker & Tuffin, 2002; Ritchie & Blanck, 2003). The literature
base is practically non-existent for the use of the internet and online social media by
people who have additional complex communication needs (Raghavendra et al. 2013).
As the aim of using AAC is to support people with complex communication needs to
express themselves (section 1.3.2) it is crucial their experiences are considered within
the new landscape of digital online communication. The UN Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) places an obligation on researchers to
examine the ways that people with disabilities are being supported to access cultural
materials. The internet and online social media could be regarded as one of the most
pervasive cultural materials within current westernized societies. McNaughton and
Bryen (2007) reviewed research which explored how AAC technologies might
enhance social participation and societal roles. They said research and development
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