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AAC-RERC Research Project R8
www.aac-rerc.com

R8:The Learning Experiences of AAC Users with AAC Technology

Lead Institution: Pennsylvania State University
PURPOSE
TECH 2010 grew out of a consumer initiative seeking a greater role in defining the future of AAC technologies. The goal of the research is to investigate barriers to learning AAC technologies as well as key supports to learning AAC technology, and recommendations for improving AAC technologies.
TARGET POPULATION
Individuals who use AAC and their family members.
PROBLEM

Presently, we have a limited understanding of the factors affecting the learning and use of an AAC device.

PROGRESS

Project R8-1: The learning experiences of AAC users with AAC technologies as viewed by AAC users. We have completed an internet-based focus group discussion in which individuals who use AAC have discussed their learning experiences with AAC technology. The discussion was led by two primary consumers.

Project R8-2: The learning experiences of AAC users with AAC technology as viewed by the parents of AAC users. We are currently conducting an internet-based focus group discussion in which the family members of individuals who use AAC have discussed the learning experiences of their children with AAC technology. The discussion was led by two primary consumers.

Consumer Involvement: The project has a strong commitment to consumer involvement. This commitment has been realized through four mechanisms. First, the research methodology for many studies (qualitative analysis of focus group discussions) has provided numerous opportunities for AAC users to contribute directly to the findings of the project and to define directions for future developments of AAC technologies. Second, individuals who use AAC and their families have been involved in the conceptualization and development of the projects through the projects' advisory panels. Third, consumers have been involved in dissemination activities, including presentations of project findings and publications. Finally, several consumers who use AAC have joined the project staff to assist with website development on the project.

KEY FINDINGS
  • There is a wide variation in time to become "fluent" with devices.
  • Many skills need to be learned (e.g. vocabulary retrieval, pragmatics).
  • Instruction and "practice" is important to learning to use a device.
  • There is an interest in new instructional approaches (use of peers, Internet, instruction "built-into" device).
PARTNERS

(the link below will open in a new window)

FOR MORE INFORMATION
David McNaughton, Ph.D., (Principle Investigator): dbm2@email.psu.edu
Carole Krezman
Tracy Rackensperger
Michael Williams, MA: augtalk@lmi.net