Developing a novel system to support language acquisition in children with CCN: An ethnographic study

Communication aids designed for use by young children are typically based on a word phrase retrieval system using a grid-based symbol access paradigm. What has become clear, however, is that such systems have significant usability shortfalls for young children with complex communication needs (CCN). These systems may be failing these emergent communicators by hindering their capacity to acquire vocabulary during a critical developmental phase, and to their lifelong detriment (Light & Drager, 2007). Moreover, user-centred design (UCD) has often been neglected with this user group due to the challenges that they present – a factor that may have exacerbated AAC device abandonment. Informed by prior research unveiled during a literature review, the authors recognise that early intervention (EI) is key to achieving optimal outcomes for children with CCN (Odom et al, 2003) – and the adults they will eventually become.