Research Article

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye

Number: 2 August 3, 2026
TR EN

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the awareness of Turkish speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and how they utilize AAC methods.

Method: A total of 76 SLPs from across the country participated in the research using purposive sampling. A 25-item online survey, including multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions, was used to gather data on demographic information, SLPs’ familiarity with AAC, and their experience with using AAC.

Results: The findings showed that 76% and 13% of participants are either slightly familiar or not at all familiar with AAC, respectively. Additionally, low-tech methods such as picture communication boards (63.2%) and communication boards without pictures (64.8%) were identified as the most familiar AAC methods among Turkish SLPs.

Conclusion: The primary reason why SLPs in Türkiye have limited use of AAC is that they either do not use AAC or do not feel competent in how to manage various speech and language disorders using AAC. Most participants have identified a significant need for AAC training. Therefore, it is essential to train SLPs in Türkiye on AAC and to conduct further research.  

Keywords

augmentative and alternative communication, speech and language pathologist, awareness, speech and language disorders, assistive technology

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines outlined in the Helsinki Declaration and received approval from the Anadolu University Ethics Committee, with protocol number 472823 (date: 25.01.2023).

Thanks

We would like to thank Barış Dinçer (MSc-SLP) for his support and contributions to language edits.

References

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APA
Selvi Balo, S., Balo, E., Savaş, A. B., & Irklı, E. B. (2026). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye. Dil Konuşma Ve Yutma Araştırmaları Dergisi, 2, 193-217. https://doi.org/10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1
AMA
1.Selvi Balo S, Balo E, Savaş AB, Irklı EB. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye. DKYAD. 2026;(2):193-217. doi:10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1
Chicago
Selvi Balo, Semra, Eren Balo, Asude Beyza Savaş, and Emine Beyza Irklı. 2026. “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye”. Dil Konuşma Ve Yutma Araştırmaları Dergisi, nos. 2: 193-217. https://doi.org/10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1.
EndNote
Selvi Balo S, Balo E, Savaş AB, Irklı EB (August 1, 2026) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye. Dil Konuşma ve Yutma Araştırmaları Dergisi 2 193–217.
IEEE
[1]S. Selvi Balo, E. Balo, A. B. Savaş, and E. B. Irklı, “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye”, DKYAD, no. 2, pp. 193–217, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1.
ISNAD
Selvi Balo, Semra - Balo, Eren - Savaş, Asude Beyza - Irklı, Emine Beyza. “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye”. Dil Konuşma ve Yutma Araştırmaları Dergisi. 2 (August 1, 2026): 193-217. https://doi.org/10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1.
JAMA
1.Selvi Balo S, Balo E, Savaş AB, Irklı EB. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye. DKYAD. 2026;:193–217.
MLA
Selvi Balo, Semra, et al. “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye”. Dil Konuşma Ve Yutma Araştırmaları Dergisi, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 193-17, doi:10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1.
Vancouver
1.Semra Selvi Balo, Eren Balo, Asude Beyza Savaş, Emine Beyza Irklı. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Awareness and Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists in Türkiye. DKYAD. 2026 Aug. 1;(2):193-217. doi:10.58563/dkyad.2026.2.1