Dictionary of Affect in Language (DAL)

Spoken communication has been demonstrated to be an increasingly important component of an individual’s experience, particularly for those with developmental disabilities. The traditional methods of providing care to individuals with developmental disabilities used to be controlled solely by clinicians and staff, with individuals who were receiving services feeling as though they had very little control over their independence.

Traditional practices have shifted over time to include individuals that are receiving services within their own care plans, aiming to give individuals more independence and decision-making ability.

Using the Dictionary of Affect in Language (DAL) to evaluate the emotional dimensions of language, we assessed the difference in sentiment variability in affect in demonstrated by individuals receiving community-based services, family members of those individuals, and staff providing services. We specifically interviewed people who had been providing and receiving care for at least five years so that they could inform us as to past practices and current and future care.

Our results will illuminate whether encompassing factors of the DAL like pleasantness, imagery, and activation of language components, adequately captures the emotional variance of subjective experiences. t

By analyzing components of the Dictionary of Affect in Language, including pleasantness, imagery, and activation of each word used, we aim to help guide the implementation of placing individuals with developmental disabilities at the center of their care, promoting independence and integration into society.

(c) Alexis Needs, Nirosha Marugan, Nicola Shaw, 2024*

* An earlier version of this abstract has been submitted to NHRC2024 for potential presentation.