What is it about?
This paper presents EMBRAACE, a framework created to guide speech-language pathologists and researchers in working with Families of Color whose children use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The framework provides a clear sequence of steps: Evaluate, Meet, Bridge the gap, Reflect, Adjust, Adapt, Carry out, and Empowered interactions. Each step encourages collaboration, reflection, and shared decision making. EMBRAACE helps professionals recognize how structural and interpersonal barriers influence family participation and supports partnerships that honor families’ cultural and linguistic experiences.
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Why is it important?
Families of Color often experience barriers in obtaining and maintaining AAC supports due to systemic inequities, cultural misunderstandings, and limited linguistic access. Traditional service delivery models do not always account for these realities. EMBRAACE provides professionals with a practical and equity-focused roadmap for collaboration that acknowledges cultural values, promotes shared decision-making, and supports meaningful participation. By integrating reflection and co-creation into every stage of AAC service delivery, the framework helps ensure that interventions align with the strengths, needs, and identities of the families being served.
Perspectives
This article was the fruit of interdisciplinary collaboration of two scholars from the fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Special Education. We are taking a collective and critical view of what is needed to support children and families through an intersectionality-informed lens. Here are some questions and answers: 1. Do we need another framework? Sure! Frameworks help us to make meaning of abstract concepts, theory, and help guide our practices. 2. Why do we need a unique framework for Families of Color? Families of Color have unique experiences navigating worlds where systems, perceptions, access, linguistic supports, and even practices impose constraints on families seeking to support the communication needs of their children. EMBRAACE responds to that need, and is guided by sound theoretical and practical research. 3. Why is this relevant right now? Our children cannot wait. Rather than continue to place blame on families or ignore their valuable contributions, EMBRAACE offers a guide to support our practitioners' reflections, delivery, and dispositions.
Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg
Pennsylvania State University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: EMBRAACE: A Collaborative Framework Empowering Families of Color Navigating Augmentative and Alternative Communication Supports and Services, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, October 2025, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2025_persp-24-00252.
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