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Date of Graduation

5-2026

Description

In recent decades, the caseloads worldwide of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have become increasingly linguistically diverse (Soto & Yu 2014). However, current research in the field of communication sciences and disorders is primarily focused on monolingual populations, with a similar lack of research in the field regarding bilingual/multilingual Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (Tönsing & Dada 2022). AAC refers to methods of communication other than spoken language and can augment existing speech or serve as an alternative to speech (ASHA n.d.). Although advancements in the field regarding AAC use for monolingual/English-speaking clients have been made, there is a lack of research and specific training on addressing AAC use for multilingual/bilingual individuals (Ward et al. 2023). As a result, SLPs may face uncertainties regarding the ability to provide the highest quality of care to multilingual/bilingual AAC users (Tönsing & Dada, 2022). There is research into the topic of current practices by speech-language pathologists for bilingual AAC users, but there are known limitations to these studies (Ward et al. 2023; Salisbury 2022). This research will answer these questions by being conducted in the U.S., exploring both monolingual SLP and bilingual SLP perceptions on bilingual/multilingual AAC, identifying barriers to providing intervention and assessment to bilingual/multilingual AAC users, addressing actual implementation of recommended practices, and exploring the commonality of family/caregiver, interpreter collaboration.

Publication Date

2026

Document Type

Book

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy

Advisor/Mentor

Holyfield, Christine

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Keywords

Health

Investigating speech-language pathologists’ perception on bilingual/multilingual AAC intervention and quality of care.

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