Health Economic Studies
Discover the latest research focused on high-tech AAC users, their networks and society from the international studies “Exploring the Benefits of Assistive Communication”.
Exploring the Benefits of Assistive Communication
Starting in 2023, Dynavox Group commissioned the research agency Augur to conduct an independent study in Sweden on high-tech AAC. The study participants included people with conditions causing communication impairments, with a primary focus on ALS/MND, autism, and cerebral palsy. It also included their network of family members and caregivers.
Building on this work, similar studies were conducted in Germany during 2024–2025 and in the United States during 2025–2026. These studies, entitled Exploring the Benefits of Assistive Communication, also included health economic models. The studies demonstrate the qualitative benefits and quantitative impact of high-tech AAC on users, their networks, and society. Additional studies are planned in the near future.
About the Studies
The studies in Sweden, Germany and United States are based on the same core survey but differ in design, data inputs, and context. All studies reveal consistent patterns, with respondents highlighting similar benefits and barriers to high-tech AAC use across countries.
Combined Key Insights
The studies in Sweden Germany and United Sates show that high-tech AAC tools significantly enhance users’ quality of life by enabling more effective communication, self-expression, greater independence, improved health outcomes, and stronger personal relationships. These improvements contribute to increased ability to work for both users and caregivers, while also reducing healthcare costs. The result is a notable return on investment:
Sweden
3× return on investment
75% increased ability to work for caregivers
14% decreased sick-leave for users
11% decreased health care utilisation for users
Germany
1.4× return on investment
79% increased ability to work for caregivers
25% decreased sick-leave for users
6% decreased health care utilisation for users
United States
3x return on investment
37% increased ability to work for caregivers
62% increased ability to work for adult users
1% decreased health care utilization for users
Approach
The purpose of these studies is to use evidence-based research to deepen understanding of the benefits and challenges of assistive communication and to improve access to AAC. The methodology consists of both qualitative and quantitative research.
Quality of life impact
Measured psychological, physical, social and environmental factors.
Economic impact
Measured societal costs and gains after introduction of high-tech AAC tools.
Study Subjects and Areas
The following is a breakdown of the main study participants, along with the perspectives and focus areas evaluated in the studies:
High-tech AAC users
People with disabilities who use assistive communication regularly, evaluating the extent to which high-tech AAC has improved their lives.
The user network
People who interact regularly with high-tech AAC users, such as family, caregivers, assistants and clinicians, evaluating the impact such tools have on them.
Society at large
Society in countries where the studies took place, evaluating how assistive communication can lead to higher quality of life and improved cost efficiency.
Methodology
The studies used a multi-method approach for a holistic understanding. The participant sample included users with cerebral palsy, autism, MND, and their network – ensuring input from a diverse range of people:
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Digital interviews exploring subjective needs, behaviours and feelings of using assistive communication technology with:
high-tech AAC users and/or
caregivers and professionals
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An open-access online survey of high-tech AAC users, carers and assistants exploring the current user situation. Depending on the target group, different sets of questions were asked:
Users and assistants were asked mandatory questions about their high-tech AAC tool, their current and estimated health care use and work ability with and without their tool, and optional questions about its usage and perceived benefits.
Carers were asked the same questions about the user, and additional questions about the network’s work ability with and without the user’s high-tech AAC tool, plus optional questions about its perceived benefits.
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A quantitative analysis measuring the costs and gains for society following the introduction of high-tech AAC tools, for users overall across three diagnostic groups: cerebral palsy, autism and MND/ALS.