The Development and Utilization of a Scale to Measure Adolescents' Attitudes Toward Peers Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

Abstract

Purpose Study 1 developed the Assessment of Attitudes Toward Augmentative and Alternative Communication—2 (AATAAC–2) to assess adolescents' attitudes toward peers who use AAC. Study 2 used the AATAAC–2 to examine influences of familiarity with people with disabilities; type of AAC device; and various combinations of gender of rater, AAC user, and communication partner on adolescents' attitudes. Method In Study 1, 194 adolescents viewed videotapes depicting adolescents using AAC, then completed AATAAC–2. Study 2 utilized 8 videotapes depicting 4 different gender combinations of AAC user and communication partner as experimental stimuli. Each gender combination was filmed twice: once with a static touch screen device, and once with a dynamic touch screen device. One-hundred thirty-six adolescents were randomly assigned to view 1 of the 8 videos. Participants then completed AATAAC–2. Results Study 1 demonstrated that AATAAC–2 has adequate psychometric properties. Raters' responses in Study 2 indicated no main effect of device type; girls were more positive than boys; and familiarity with peers with disabilities was associated with more positive attitudes. No 2-way interactions were significant; 3-way interaction of level of familiarity, gender, and type of device used was significant. Conclusions Familiarity and gender contribute to adolescents' attitudes; type of AAC device combined with these factors to influence attitudes.