Communication Equity: Perspectives from Spanish-Speaking Families by Ellyn McNamara
PhD in Disability Studies Dissertation Defense
September 4, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Abstract
Communication is a fundamental human right and critical for full participation in society. Yet communication is not equitably realized, particularly for people with disabilities who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC encompasses a wide range of tools and strategies, from gestures to speech-generating devices, that support people with complex communication needs. Despite these supports, the responsibility of communication often rests disproportionately on AAC users, while their communication partners are ignored. Without adequate instruction, partners may unintentionally engage in behaviors that hinder, rather than support, communication—perpetuating inequities in access and outcomes. Communication Partner Instruction (CPI) is an evidence-based strategy to address these inequities. CPI explicitly teaches communication partners behaviors that support communication with and for AAC users. Although CPI has demonstrated success across various settings, its research and implementation have largely excluded culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinos, the largest ethnic and linguistic minority in the U.S., experience layers of systemic inequities that further compound access to and engagement in training, like CPI. In these communities, family members often serve as primary communication partners for AAC users and are critical to fostering dual-language development. Yet, CPI efforts have rarely been adapted to reflect their specific language and culture. This qualitative study, grounded in a human rights framework, explores the experiences and perspectives of Spanish-speaking family communication partners through in-depth interviews. Findings reveal multilevel barriers and facilitators to CPI access and efficacy, including the role of support networks, cultural-linguistic bias/discrimination and actionable community-driven recommendations for more inclusive CPI design and delivery. This research contributes novel insights into equity-driven service provision. It offers practical implications for policy, research, and clinical practice aimed at improving access to and the effectiveness of CPI for dual-language families, in turn supporting the communication rights of people with disabilities who use AAC.
For individuals needing access accommodations, please send an email to DHDOSA@uic.edu by noon, Friday, August 22nd.
Zoom Info
https://uic.zoom.us/j/88240461050?pwd=1QEMD6NLZacayyYDmqx84IYvJuobQ6.1
Meeting ID: 882 4046 1050
Passcode: UsaD3e6e
Date posted
Aug 17, 2025
Date updated
Aug 27, 2025