Speech language pathologists’ perspectives of supporting people with complex communication needs to make decisions about where and how they live

PURPOSE: In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme enables people under 65 to consider moving into alternative accommodations. However, people with complex communication needs may be excluded from decisions about where and how they live because they cannot express their preferences. This study explores the current practices of speech-language pathologists supporting people with complex communication needs with decision-making about accommodation. METHOD: Utilising a collective case study design, five speech-language pathologists who support people with complex communication needs who are considering moving to specialist disability accommodation were purposively sampled to explore similarities and differences in practice. Semi-structured interviews with clinicians were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULT: Seven main themes were generated. These themes described participants' current skills, factors that influence their timely involvement in supporting people with complex communication needs, the importance of navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the absence of policies and procedures to effectively support decision-making, and suggestions for future practice. CONCLUSION: Speech-langugae pathology practice in supporting people with complex communication needsto make decisions about where and how they live is variable and challenged by the absence of adequate National Disability Insurance Scheme funding, and practice guidelines. Clinicians could be integral to supporting decision-making for people with complex communication needs about accommodation but require adequate time and training to do so effectively.