Abstract:

The paper opens with a brief explanation of the basic theoretical background of a) the current system of social care services aimed at people with learning disabilities or multiple disabilities living in residential homes in the Czech Republic; b) a description of the target group using those social care services from the perspective of speech and language abilities/disabilities and other communication factors; c) the system / methods of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary approaches.

The aim of this paper is to present data acquired by qualitative design research focused on the issue of using AAC to support people with speech and communication difficulties. The research was collected over time within three selected residential homes using semi–structured group discussions. Each group had around 15 participants where the group discussions were mostly focused on the perspective from social services employees (direct care workers), speech therapist and management staff.

The results from the group discussions with all participants in the various institutions were very significant – in the context of the possibilities in using methods of AAC as an approach to supporting people with speech and communication difficulties, was notably – the lack of personnel to support such approach either on an individual or regular basis; the lack of or non-existence of collaboration between agencies or other professionals, and poor motivation or lack of job satisfaction with some individuals within support teams. These and other factors will be presented and discussed in this paper and will then form a number of recommendations for the change in practice in supporting people with disabilities living in institutions.

Keywords:

Social care services, people with disabilities, alternative and augmentative communication, support.