Communication access in action: evaluating AAC supports for young children in a community museum.

Abstract

This utilization-focused evaluation study aimed to describe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports to enhance communication accessibility for children with significant communication support needs in a children's museum. Most of the participants had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which informed the design and interpretation of AAC strategies implemented in the museum setting. Utilizing feedback from museum staff and parents of children with communication disabilities, the study sought to identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of AAC supports in creating more inclusive community spaces. A utilization-focused evaluation framework guided the assessment of embedded-aided communication supports within the museum, ensuring that findings were relevant and actionable for stakeholders. The evaluation revealed three key insights: (a) the importance of communication access through multiple modalities, (b) the role of social awareness in supporting inclusive communication, and (c) the need for enhanced communication partner training and education. Additionally, while parent and museum staff participants recognized the benefits of the communication access program, they also identified limitations and areas for improvement. This study provides recommendations for future research and practice, emphasizing the value of stakeholder-driven evaluations in promoting communication accessibility in community settings.