Visual Scene Displays for Children and Adults: Using Case Studies to Bridge Research and Clinical Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical focus article is to share research and clinical perspectives related to visual scene display (VSD) technology for people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Furthermore, the authors will help bridge the gap between research and clinical practice as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) consider supplementing AAC systems with VSD technology. The authors will review research and clinical practice about the development and use of VSD technology for both children and adults as a tool to support language, literacy, and social interactions. SLPs will be informed about key principles from VSD research to assist them to use this technology to supplement multimodal communication methods. Case studies will provide examples for SLPs to consider how they can create and use VSD technology in their clinical practice. Conclusions: Previous AAC research supports the development and use of VSDs for emerging communicators and people with aphasia. Based on the authors' clinical observations and review of the relevant research, challenges remain with VSD implementation as SLPs determine how to develop and effectively integrate this newer technology with current AAC interface design. Recommendations and ideas will be provided to SLPs who are considering VSDs as a visual support to promote language development and increase social interactions.