Abstract
Across healthcare settings, there is an urgent need to address disparities and ensure equitable healthcare access for marginalised groups, such as non-speaking individuals. Non-speaking individuals, especially those relying on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to making decisions about their own care, often facing barriers that compromise their autonomy, resulting in inequitable healthcare experiences.
Non-speaking individuals, including some neurodivergent individuals, individuals with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries, frequently rely on low- and high-tech AAC devices, such as communication boards or speech-generating devices. However, the effective use of these tools in healthcare settings remains limited, due to inadequate awareness, training, and support amongst healthcare professionals. Consequently, AAC users are at risk of being excluded from crucial conversations about their health and as partners in their care, leading to care that is not aligned with their preferences, values, and rights.
Empowering AAC users to participate in healthcare decisions is critical to address the systemic barriers that prevent them from being heard and achieving person-centered and inclusive care. Strategies include providing training for healthcare providers to integrate AAC into routine care practices, communication plans aligned with individual’s needs and preferences, leveraging technology for inclusive care and prioritisation of AAC in care standard initiatives. Examples include providing pre-made communication cards in emergency rooms autistic individuals, access to eye-gaze AAC technology for advanced care planning for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, such as MND, or core communication boards for individuals with situational mutism in mental health services.
By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can ensure that non-speaking individuals using AAC are empowered to make informed decisions about their health. This is not only a step toward achieving the overarching goal of reducing inequalities in healthcare but also aligns with international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality). Empowering AAC users supports the broader objective of inclusive health by fostering equity, respect, and dignity for all patients, regardless of their communication abilities.
During this presentation, we will provide an overview of different AAC tools and cases from our clinical practice. We will discuss how to engage non-speaking individuals, of all ages, with disabilities and neurodegenerative conditions in health services to improve their engagement. When setting up AAC devices, the design of all tools are co-created with the end user of AAC systems. The AAC tools created in our clinic can be adapted in all languages and should be of relevance to an international audience.