The efficiency of finding a symbol on an AAC display can be facilitated by specific display organizations.
Graduate Student Research
Penn State graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and in Special Education, are involved in a wide variety of AAC research. Recent publications are listed in chronological order below.
Facilitating children's ability to distinguish symbols for emotions – Publication
Rapid search was facilitated by a spatial organization cue, but not by the addition of background color. Further examination of the situations in which color cues may be useful is warranted.
Working memory and attention in utilizing aided AAC displays — Presentation
Thistle, J., Wilkinson, K., Carelli, R., (2011, November). Working Memory and Attention in Utilizing Aided AAC Displays. Presentation at ASHA Convention. San Diego, California.
AAC internet training for para-educators – research
Special Education Doctoral Candidate Sarah Douglas presented her dissertation research on “Online training for paraeducators to support the communication of young children with complex communication needs”. Sarah’s research examined the use of an internet training package, including a strategy to engage children in interactive play, and example videos, on the communication support behaviors of para-educators. […]
Penn State Children’s Communicative Competence Project provides funding for M.Sc. students
This grant addresses the urgent need for fully credentialed speech language pathologists (SLPs) who are prepared to provide evidence-based services to improve results for high need children who have complex communication needs.
