Listening to learners: Supporting students with diverse communication and cultural backgrounds

Every student has the right to communicate and access education on an equitable basis with their peers. However, students with diverse communication and cultural backgrounds face compounded disadvantages: expressive communication disabilities may require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems; yet these systems offer limited support for users whose primary language is not English. 

This study aims to explore effective inclusive communication and classroom practices that support school-aged students who use or need AAC with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It also seeks to centre the expressed perspectives of this group of students and their communication partners in school settings. This study includes a scoping review and mixed-methods research with online surveys and individual interviews. The study makes a significant contribution to this emerging field, improves the lives of AAC users whose home language is not English, and increases global awareness.