A comparison of three modes of online key word sign training to determine efficacy and acceptability in comparison to in-person key word sign training

Key Word Sign (KWS) is an unaided form of augmentative and alternative communication where manual signing is used for people with complex communication needs. Communication partners require training; however geographical, familial and personal barriers impact accessing KWS training. Online training has become more common; however, no research has investigated the online delivery of KWS training. This mixed methods study compared efficacy and acceptability of online training programs delivered synchronously, asynchronously or as a combination of both (hybrid), with results from a previous study that measured face-to-face training.