Parachute without a ripcord: the skydive of communication interaction

Smith, Martine M. and Murray, J (2011) Parachute without a ripcord: the skydive of communication interaction. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 27 (4). pp. 292-303. ISSN 1477-3848

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Abstract

Identifying and rating the outcomes of an intervention is not a new concept, but has gained impetus and currency with the emergence of evidence-based practice to support clinical decision making. In this paper, we present a metaphor as a unifying framework for the many different goals and outcomes that may come into focus across extended interventions with individuals who use aided communication. The metaphor is that of skydiving. We explore the value of this metaphor in understanding outcome measures for interventions, using analysis of interview data collected with adults who have used high-tech aided communication devices over many years.