Investigation of Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Speech and Language Therapy Students According to the Status of Taking Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems Lessons

Authors : Işılay Nur Güngör, Mümüne Merve Parlak, Mehmet Akpınar, Didem Çevik
Pages : 132-148
Doi:10.47777/cankujhss.1647683
View : 58 | Download : 27
Publication Date : 2025-06-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Purpose: Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Systems refer to various mechanisms that support, complement or replace speech in individuals whose communication skills need to be increased. Speech and language therapists (SLT’s) play an active role in the preparation and implementation of AAC Systems. Adequate and efficient training is a prerequisite for effective and successful AAC Systems services. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) undergraduate students in Turkey according to their taking AAC Systems course. Material and Method: 204 SLT undergraduate students from 10 different universities in Turkey, including 96 participants (47.06%) who took AAC Systems course and 108 participants (52.94%) who did not take AAC Systems course, participated in the study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire created by the researchers. The questionnaire included a total of 41 questions about the sociodemographic information of the participants and the level of AAC knowledge and awareness. Participants were recruited via social media platforms. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between those students who have taken AAC Systems course and those who did not (p<0.05). Participants who took the course gave an average of 6.16 to the efficiency of the course and 6.36 to the adequacy of the course out of 10. Conclusion: It was found that taking a course on AAC Systems increased awareness. However, improvements should be made in the efficiency and adequacy of the course in the undergraduate period.
Keywords : Alternatif ve Destekleyici İletişim, Dil ve Konuşma Terapisi, Öğrenci, Lisans Dersi

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL