This study analyses professionals' view of a special education school on the language of persons with cerebral palsy without articulated speech and the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in such cases. A total of 23 staff members were interviewed at a special education school in the state of Paraná. From their reports six major categories of analysis were defined: 1) teaching experience with the pupils; 2) distinction between speech and language; 3) forms of interaction between interviewees and pupils; 4) knowledge of AAC; 5) aspects related to the improvement of interactions; 6) aspects related to social inclusion. Results point to the existence of language by means of gestures, facial expressions and ways of looking. Speech is seen as a tool for expression, understood as a cognitive ability enabling elaboration of internal contents. In general there is little understanding of what AAC is about and the lack of adequate use of resources prevents students from assuming the role of speakers, fully participating in the educational process. The interviewees recognized the need for specific training in this area. In conclusion, there is a great need for AAC knowledge, related to the ways students with cerebral palsy express themselves linguistically when they are unable to speak.
Special Education; Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Cerebral Palsy; Language