A survey of augmentative and alternative communication service provision in Hong Kong.

A survey was conducted to understand the service provisions for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in Hong Kong. The response rates of special pre-school training centers and special schools were 59% and 71%, respectively. The response rate of adult settings was 18%. Results indicated that a higher proportion of students identified as having complex communication needs had access to AAC service provision in schools for children with intellectual and physical disabilities than those in special pre-school training centres and other types of special schools. Generalization of AAC service beyond the classroom setting remains problematic. Seventy-two percent of the respondents were dissatisfied with the training in AAC that they received during their basic professional preparation. More advocacy work is needed to increase awareness and knowledge of AAC use in Hong Kong.