AAC research: a multidimensional learning community

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Abstract
The augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) knowledge base has been expanding dramatically during the past 20 years. AAC users, facilitators, technologists, and researchers contribute to the growth of information. Their roles include the (1) advancement of individualized knowledge, (2) advancement of generalized knowledge, (3) application of knowledge, (4) integration of knowledge, and (5) dissemination of knowledge. Over the years, the AAC knowledge base has evolved through a number of different stages with some areas of the field more completely developed than others. To illustrate the expansion of the AAC knowledge base, the areas of speech synthesis, facilitated communication, and AAC for persons with challenging behaviors are reviewed in this article. The enhancement of the AAC knowledge base must continue to be a community effort if it is to be developed in a balanced and efficient manner.