Augmentative and Alternative Communication(AAC) Analyzed from a Gender-Responsive Perspective -Focusing on Picture Symbol Systems-

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze pictorial symbols of AAC to examine the socio-cultural representations and gender bias factors that appear in the symbol system and to suggest the necessity of applying and expanding gender sensitivity. Previous studies on the gender-sensitive perspective have emphasized the intervention of the gender-sensitive perspective in various fields in order to eliminate the gender bias phenomenon caused by socio-cultural concepts. This study was conducted in agreement with this critical awareness. Research Method: The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family’s gender impact assessment guidelines were reconstructed and utilized as an analysis matrix. The specific analysis target is the pictorial symbols included in the Korean AAC Symbol Search System (KAAC Symbols Search). Research Results: As a result of analyzing the pictorial symbols by extracting 3,060 items that were subject to analysis out of 10,000 symbols, it was confirmed that 2,019 items fell into the gender bias category. Through analysis, we were able to examine the need for intervention from an adult cognitive perspective. Conclusion: The need for application and expansion of the gender-sensitive perspective suggested by the analysis results and its direction were suggested.