“Feeling our way around in the dark” AAC team collaboration in the context of service change: Special education teachers’ perceptions

Abstract

Team collaboration is an essential component of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services that directly impacts outcomes for students in special schools. Given the central role of the Special Education Teacher (SET) in the AAC team, there is a need to explore and understand SETs’ perceptions to support effective team collaboration. This study explored the perceptions of SETs on team working and collaboration in AAC service delivery in Ireland during a period of significant systemic change. A qualitative interview approach was utilised to explore the perceptions of five SETs working with students who use AAC in special education settings in Ireland. The dataset was analysed through the process of reflexive thematic analysis and identified four themes. Participants valued team collaboration but perceived it as inconsistent or non-existent in current practice. The impact of recent service changes on collaboration was highlighted, with all participants recognising a need for enhanced collaboration. Facilitators to collaboration identified included child centredness, shared goals, role clarity, sharing of knowledge and resources, and effective working relationships.