Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

37ResultsPhase 1: 24 principle characteristics were identified as being important for families to be‘on-board’ with AAC. Some of these characteristics included use of AAC system (eg setup,modelling, different settings), willingness and open mind to AAC, positive attitude towardsAAC, communication, technology (‘belief’), willingness to try new strategies and take on newinformation, involvment in the development of the system, ability to ask questions (for moreinformation). The majority of speech pathologists agreed with the definition of ‘successful useof AAC’.Phase 2: Preliminary analysis of parents’ views and perceptions were summarised under thefollowing categories:1) initial thoughts about AAC2) highlights in child’s use of AAC3) challenges with AAC4) what families learned about their children who use AAC5) implications for families and advice for other parents6) implications for Novita and other service providers.ImplicationsStatusData analysis is ongoing.For clients – by responding to the results of this study some changes may be made toservice delivery for children and families who use AAC to improve the knowledge, skills andsupport given to children and their families and potentially improve communication outcomesfor children.For services – information provided from this study will increase understanding about thetypes of knowledge, skills and support and encouragement needed for parents and childrenwho are beginning, and later continuing, their journey with AAC.OngoingNovita client using an AACsystem