Barriers and facilitators to accommodations in the workplace for adults who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): a systematic review
Overview
Workplace accommodations can reduce barriers to employment for people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), however, the lack of accommodations continues to challenge participation in employment. Examples of augmentative and alternative communication tools are gestures, body language, manual signs, communication boards with graphic symbols and mobile technologies with AAC apps.
This systematic review identifies and analyses barriers and facilitators to implementing workplace accommodations for adults who use AAC.
The review found environmental barriers related mainly to attitudes and technology, and personal barriers related to job qualifications, education and work-related skills. A combination of facilitators such as personal strengths, access to technology, and supportive relationships contributed to successful implementation of accommodations.
The findings of this review suggest implementing workplace accommodations for adults who use AAC strategies is complex and further research is needed to advance practices and policies that support the implementation of workplace accommodations.