Examination of Factors Influencing Behavioural Intention of Communication Partners of People With Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Background: Communication partners have a fundamental role supporting the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities. Multiple, complex factors influence communication partners' preparedness to use it. This study aimed to increase our understanding of the nature and extent to which the factors influencing the intention of communication partners to use AAC interconnect. Specific hypotheses underpinned by the Combined Technology Acceptance Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour (C-TAM-TPB) were tested. Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study, 152 communication partners of people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities took part in an online survey. Survey items related to demographic information and items corresponding to the constructs of the C-TAM-TPB. Findings: The findings indicate that perceived usefulness (p value = 0.000 and β = 0.253, Wald′s Chi-square χ2 = 27.5) and perceived ease of use had a significant impact (p = 0.007, β = 0.145, Wald′s χ2 = 7.2) on attitude towards using AAC. Attitude (p value = 0.000 and β = 0.528, Wald′s χ2 = 20.8) and perceived behavioural control (p value = 0.000 and β = 0.332, Wald′s χ2 = 16.8) had a significant impact on behavioural intention. Conclusion: The findings contribute to the body of knowledge of the use of AAC with people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities by highlighting the need to collectively address the factors influencing communication partners' use of AAC.