The Central Role of Expectations in Communication and Literacy Success: A Parent Perspective

Autor/in	Mintun, Bonnie
Titel	The Central Role of Expectations in Communication and Literacy Success: A Parent Perspective
Quelle	In: Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 2 (2005) 1, S.31-44 (14 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1938-727X
Schlagwörter	Communication Strategies; Assertiveness; Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Expectation; Parents; Parent Attitudes; Literacy Education; Inclusion; Personal Narratives + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Kommunikationsstrategie; Expectancy; Erwartung; Eltern; Elternverhalten; Inklusion; Erlebniserzählung
Abstract	The author chronicles the search for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology for her daughter Anna, who is now age 21. Though Anna has severe cognitive, visual and orthopedic disabilities, a more significant obstacle to finding a functional AAC system has been low expectations of her capability. Because Anna could not perform prerequisite skills for using even basic systems, more sophisticated technology was not tried for years. However, because her rich experience of inclusion had led Anna's parents to have "unrealistic" dreams for her, they insisted that Anna try more complex devices. Anna's subsequent success with the Vanguard[TM] and the Vantage[TM], by Prentke Romich Company, supports the author's conclusion that prerequisite skills should not be used to restrict access to AAC. In many cases, sophisticated technology may be just what people with the most complicated impairments need. Though Anna is still not fluent with her AAC device, the competencies she has demonstrated with it are way beyond anything she had been able to show with less complex technology. She has also gained a new sense of Self, through communicative assertiveness and a higher social regard by others. Anna's experiences should serve as an example for many underserved people who could benefit from AAC, including individuals with apparently severe and profound cognitive disabilities. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Assistive Technology Industry Association and SEAT Center. Available from: SEAT Center, Special Education, Illinois State University, Campus Box 5910, Normal, IL 61790. Tel: 309-438-7811; Fax: 309-830-0999; e-mail: atob@atia.org; Web site: http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3305
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10