Parents' Perspective on Their Child's Use of Voice Output Communication Aids: Challenges, Benefits and Missing Pieces

This study investigated parents’ experiences, challenges, benefits, and needs regarding their child’s voice output communication aid (VOCA). Three mothers who had children who use a VOCA device as their primary form of communication were recruited from Goodwill of Orange County’s Technology Exchange Center and Prentke Romich Company (PRC) and were interviewed by phone or email questionnaire. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed four major themes: (a) benefits of VOCA use, (b) barriers to VOCA use, (c) facilitators of VOCA use, and (d) continuing needs of families. The information obtained from this study can be used to better serve families and children who use VOCAs and other AAC devices to avoid barriers (e.g., insufficient training) and abandonment and to foster more successful outcomes. Further research is necessary to continue to investigate the needs of parents in terms of their child’s device as well as the effectiveness of device training programs