Evidence-Based Practice in Augmentative and Alternative Communication

An evidence-based practice (EBP) approach to clinical and educational practice emphasizes the importance of integrating sound research evidence into the decision-making process. This paper provides a discussion of the relevance of EBP to the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Included is an examination of what is currently known about decision-making in AAC, as well as a brief history of EBP and its application in other fields. A definition of EBP in AAC is proposed and a schematic of the EBP process is described, including proposed design hierarchies of evidence. This process is then illustrated with a case example. Finally, key factors for the adoption of EBP in AAC are discussed.