AAC Assessment: What is the Participation Model and Why Use It?
When assessing someone for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), it’s important to focus on what truly matters—their needs, goals, and how they can actively engage in daily life. The Participation Model is a proven approach that helps ensure AAC assessments and interventions are both effective and meaningful. This blog post will explore the Participation Model, the evidence supporting its use, and why it’s an essential approach for AAC evaluation.
What is the Participation Model?
Beukelman and Mirenda introduced the Participation Model, an AAC assessment and intervention framework. It focuses on ensuring that individuals using AAC have the tools, strategies, and support to participate meaningfully in their daily environments. This model shifts the focus from the individual's deficits to addressing the barriers that limit participation, making it highly person-centered and empowering (Helling & Minga, 2014).
The model emphasizes assessing two key types of barriers:
1. Opportunity Barriers: External factors limit an individual’s access to communication opportunities. They may include:
Lack of training or support for communication partners.
Institutional policies or attitudes that discourage AAC use.
Environmental constraints can include factors like inaccessible classrooms or workplaces.
2. Access Barriers are internal factors related to the individual’s abilities or the AAC system. Examples include:
Some people have physical or sensory challenges that make it hard for them to use devices.
Limitations in the AAC system include insufficient vocabulary or poor customization.
Cognitive or linguistic skills that influence how the AAC system is used.
By identifying these barriers, the Participation Model ensures a holistic approach to AAC assessment, aiming to remove obstacles and maximize the individual’s ability to communicate effectively.
The Evidence Supporting the Participation Model
Scientific research consistently highlights the effectiveness of the Participation Model for AAC assessment. Key findings include:
Enhanced Communication Outcomes: Studies show that addressing opportunity and access barriers leads to improved communication, increased engagement, and greater independence for AAC users (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013).
Person-Centered Focus: Research shows that customizing AAC systems to fit individual needs is crucial because a one-size-fits-all approach usually doesn't work for the varied needs of AAC users.
Systematic and Structured Approach: The Participation Model provides a clear, evidence-based structure for assessing and addressing barriers, reducing the trial-and-error approach often seen in AAC implementation (ASHA, 2023).
Why Use the Participation Model?
The rationale for using the Participation Model in AAC assessments is clear:
Holistic Assessment: The model ensures that AAC interventions are comprehensive and targeted to the individual’s real-world needs by addressing opportunity and access barriers.
Empowerment: This model promotes autonomy by focusing on how AAC systems can enhance meaningful participation in everyday life.
Evidence-Based Practice: The Participation Model aligns with the principles of evidence-based practice, ensuring that AAC recommendations are backed by scientific research and best practices.
Collaboration: It fosters collaboration between SLPs, families, educators, and other stakeholders, creating a supportive environment for AAC success.
The Big Picture
For SLPs: Incorporate the Participation Model into your AAC assessments to systematically identify and address barriers to communication. Subscribe to The Big Picture SLP newsletter and access our mentorship opportunities to stay informed about best practices.
For Parents and Caregivers: If you believe an AAC assessment could benefit your loved one, book a consultation with The Big Picture SLP Speech-Language Services today. Together, we can craft a plan that helps your family members communicate confidently and be more involved in their everyday lives.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2023). Participation Model for augmentative and alternative communication. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/siteassets/practice-portal/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/participation-model-for-augmentative-and-alternative-communication.pdf
Beukelman, D. R., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Dynamic Therapy Associates. (2023). Breaking through the time barrier in AAC implementation. Retrieved from https://www.dynamictherapyassociates.com/blog/breaking-through-the-time-barrier-in-aac-implementation
Helling, C., & Minga, I. (2014). Developing a practical framework for the augmentative and alternative communication evaluation. Retrieved from the provided PDF.
Praactical AAC. (2023). Using the AAC participation model to guide implementation planning. Retrieved from https://praacticalaac.org/video/video-of-the-week-using-the-aac-participation-model-to-guide-implementation-planning/
Jane Farrall. (2023). AAC: Don’t demand prerequisite skills. Retrieved from https://janefarrall.com/aac-dont-demand-prerequisite-skills/