Abstract
Vocabulary selection for graphic symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication
systems is important to enable persons with significant communication difficulties
to express a variety of communication functions to indicate needs and wants, to develop
social closeness, and to fulfill social etiquette. For persons who experience pain,
abuse, bullying, or neglect, it is essential to be able to communicate about sensitive
issues. However, published core vocabulary lists allow limited scope for communicating
about sensitive topics, due mainly to the techniques employed to determine such lists
(e.g., observations or recording of communication patterns of peers with typical development
during fun-based or daily activities). This article is based on the outcome of a study
of children's pain-related vocabulary. Based on the study, we propose a model for
selecting vocabulary on sensitive topics. The model consists of four phases: (1) using
hypothetical scenarios; (2) considering different perspectives that may affect vocabulary
selection; (3) involving direct stakeholders, and (4) customizing vocabulary.
Keywords
Augmentative and alternative communication - sensitive topics - stakeholder review
- vocabulary - vocabulary selection
