Designing augmentative and alternative communication systems with Aboriginal Australians: vocabulary representation, layout, and access
Rebecca Amery, Julie Gungungbuy Wunungmurra, Gurimaŋu Bukuḻatjpi, Rachel Dikul Baker, Farrah Gumbula, Elah Yunupingu, Parimala Raghavendra, Ruth Barker, Deborah Theodoros, Howard Amery, Libby Massey, Anne Lowell
Abstract
(the Yolŋu word for non-Aboriginal people) researchers working together through a collaborative intercultural process. Culturally responsive literacy, language, and AAC activities were used to develop four prototype Yolŋu AAC sytems for Yolŋu with varied literacy skills. Data were coded using gerunds to identify and focus on action in the data. Reflective and analytical collaborative, oral group discussions were used to identify key considerations and, ultimately, a Yolŋu metaphor for the research. Yolŋu language, culture and worldview impacted all aspects of prototype design and decision making. Salient considerations related to representation, organization, layout, and access, are presented. Clinical implications and future research considerations are outlined.