Evaluation of mobile AAC applications that support social-communication of individuals with complex communication needs in Türkiye

Karal M. A., Sola Ozguc C., HOPCAN S., POLAT HOPCAN E.

Speech, Language and Hearing, cilt.28, sa.1, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 28 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/2050571x.2025.2497684
  • Dergi Adı: Speech, Language and Hearing
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Psycinfo
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: AAC, applications, CCN, checklist, complex communication needs, language, Mobile apps, social communication
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

Individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) face challenges related to speech and language. Experiencing challenges to effectively communicate significantly impacts their quality of life and their ability to achieve academic, vocational, and social goals. One approach developed to support the social communication of individuals with complex communication needs is the use of mobile applications (apps). The purpose of this study was to examine mobile AAC apps that are accessible to mobile device users in Türkiye and to develop a checklist product for clinicians and practitioners. Seventy-one apps were identified by comprehensive search and 36 apps were included in the study. The apps were analyzed according to the subcategories of the developed checklist including representation of the icons, variety of the content, and usability of the apps as well as the relationship between the checklist scores and the market scores. Results indicated some strengths and many weaknesses for accessible apps. Implications and future directions are discussed.