Affiliations: Graduate Program in Special Education, The
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA | Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders,
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: David McNaughton, Ph.D., 227 CEDAR
Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Tel.: +1 814 865 7159; E-mail: dbm2@psu.edu
Abstract: Seven self-employed individuals with cerebral palsy who used
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) participated in a focus group
discussion conducted on the Internet. Six themes emerged from the discussion:
(a) description of employment activities, (b) benefits of self-employment, (c)
negative impacts of self-employment, (d) barriers to employment, (e) supports
to self-employment, and (f) recommendations for improving self-employment
outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy who use AAC. For the individuals
in this study, self-employment provided financial benefits, meaningful work
activities, and an opportunity to realize personal expectations for
participation in society. Negative societal attitudes and limited educational
experiences were identified as major barriers to employment, while personal
characteristics such as a willingness to take on challenges and an interest in
demonstrating personal competence were seen as important supports.
Keywords: Severe disability, augmentative and alternative communication, employment, self-employment, assistive technology, cerebral palsy
