Augmentative and Alternative Communication Disaster Preparedness: Roles, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists and Other Professionals

Purpose: People who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) face unique challenges during natural and man-made disasters. When Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma struck in 2017, the need to address the immediate and longer term needs of this group during all stages of the disaster became apparent. The purposes of this clinical focus article are to discuss the United States Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Disaster Relief Committee initiatives; obtain the perspectives of families on disaster preparedness before, during, and after the disaster; and provide recommendations for speech-language pathologists and other professionals to increase disaster preparedness for people who use AAC. Method: A survey was disseminated via e-mail to 20 people who requested AAC assistance during Hurricane Harvey. A total of 13 people completed the 10-question survey for a response rate of 65%. Results: The most salient findings indicated that people who use AAC and their families were unprepared prior to the disaster and did not have the necessary resources during and after the disaster. The Disaster Relief Committee used these findings to create disaster preparedness initiatives. Conclusion: This article discusses a text-based toolkit developed to increase disaster preparedness and provides recommendations for speech-language pathologists and other professionals on how to help clients who use AAC prepare for disasters and have the necessary vocabulary to communicate effectively during disaster situations.