University students using augmentative and alternative communication in the USA: a demographic study

The purpose of this study was to collect demographic data reflecting the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques by university students having disabilities relating to communication impairments who were enrolled in university programs in 1988-1989. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to: (1) identify the types of disabilities related to communication impairments reported on university campuses in 1988; (2) describe the professional services available to university students who are disabled; (3) tally the numbers of university students receiving speech-language pathology (SLP) services, in general, and AAC services in particular; and (4) summarize the AAC techniques used on university campuses. Through a self-administered, mail questionnaire 150 disabled student services programs across 42 states were surveyed. The response rate was 65 percent, with 98 programs within 38 states responding. Data summarizing types of disabilities related to communication impairment, professional services provided, SLP services, and AAC techniques utilized are presented. Implications for the provision of university services in the 1990s are discussed.