RESUMEN
Purpose: YolÅu are Aboriginal Australians from northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory (NT). Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) prevalence in the NT Aboriginal population is the highest in the world. YolÅu living with progressive dysarthria associated with MJD could benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, there are no aided AAC systems in YolÅu languages. This research aimed to explore the views of YolÅu with MJD about communication, speech-language pathology (SLP) services and AAC.Method: A collaborative, culturally responsive research design was informed by Indigenist Research methodology and Constructivist Grounded Theory. YolÅu with MJD (n = 10) and their interested family members (n = 4) participated in interviews and created visual representations of their social networks. Data were analysed through an oral interpretive process with YolÅu researchers.Result: A YolÅu metaphor, GoÅdhu "Building understanding by hand", emerged as a culturally meaningful way to represent the core understandings required for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to work effectively with YolÅu with MJD. Elements of this metaphor include seeking to understand the complex lived experiences of YolÅu with MJD, and working with families to explore the potential benefits of SLP services and AAC.Conclusion: YolÅu with MJD and their families want to work collaboratively with SLPs to develop bilingual AAC systems and culturally responsive SLP services that build on strengths of YolÅu culture and kinship to improve communication opportunities and participation.