'Getting your wheel in the door': successful full-time employment experiences of individuals with cerebral palsy who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors:
David McNaughton a;
Janice Light b;
Kara B. Arnold b
| Affiliations: | a Department of Educational and School Psychology and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. |
| b Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. |
DOI:
10.1080/07434610212331281171
Publication Frequency:
4 issues per year
Published in:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication,
Volume
18,
Issue
2
June
2002
, pages 59
- 76
Subjects:
Communication Disorders;
Neurological Rehabilitation;
Formats available:
PDF
(English)
View Article:
View Article (PDF)
Abstract
Eight individuals with cerebral palsy who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and were employed full time participated in a focus group discussion that was conducted on the Internet. Six major themes emerged from the discussion: (a) descriptions of employment activities, (b) benefits of employment and reasons for being employed, (c) negative impacts resulting from employment, (d) barriers to employment, (e) supports required for employment, and (f) recommendations for improving employment outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy who use AAC. Factors identified as key to preparation for successful employmentincluded appropriate education and vocational experiences. Community networks, government policies, and computer technology were identified as important supports for obtaining employment. Personal characteristics, technology, supportive coworkers, personal care assistance, and family supports were described as important supports for maintaining employment.
|
| Keywords: assistive technology; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); cerebral palsy; employment; focus group; Internet |
| view citations (13) |


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