Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Nonverbal Students in High School in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Access to Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a right guaranteed by the Brazilian Inclusion Law of 2015. This research investigated how AT and AAC are being used to overcome learning barriers for non-verbal communication students in high schools in Rio Grande do Sul. With a quantitative approach, the study identified the number of students in this condition. Subsequently, a teacher training course was planned in an extension format, which included diagnosing the target audience through the registration form. A total of 911 participants registered, with the research subjects being teachers working in high school special education (AEE) classrooms, regular classrooms, and school administrators. Data from regional education offices revealed 685 non-verbal communication students enrolled in high schools in Rio Grande do Sul, highlighting the importance of teacher training.