R2-A: Contextual Scenes for Beginning Communicators |
Goals This project responds to the need for improved AAC technologies that reduce the learning demands for beginning communicators including young children with developmental disabilities as well as older individuals with significant cognitive impairments. The project is designed to investigate the effects of AAC technologies that use personalized contextual scenes realized through digital photos of the beginning communicator's life with relevant vocabulary embedded under "hot spots" in the photos. The goals of this project are to:
This project involves two research studies, each investigating the effects with a different group of beginning communicators:
Progress to Date To date we have completed the following tasks on the project:
Next steps The next steps on the project are as follows:
For more information about this project, contact Janice Light.
Webcast AAC Interventions to Maximize Language Development for Young Children A free webcast to support parents and professionals in implementing literacy instruction with individuals who require AAC.
Publications Drager, K.D.R., Light, J.C., & Finke, E.H. (2008). Using AAC technologies to build social interaction with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In P. Mirenda, & T. Iacono (Eds.) Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. 10-13. Blackstone, S.W. & Light, J. (2007). SGDs and young children: Rethinking basic assumptions. Augmentative Communication News, 19, 10-13. Light, J., & Drager, K. (2007). AAC technologies for young children with complex communication needs: State of the science and future research directions . Augmentative & Alternative Communication, 23, 204-216. Drager, K., Light, J., Larsson, B., Pitkin, L., & Stopper, G. (2004) Learning of dynamic display AAC technologies by typically developing 3-year-olds: Effect of different layouts and menu approaches. Journal of Speech Language Hearing Research, 47, 1133-48. Light, J. C., Drager, K. D. R., & Nemser, J. G. (2004). Enhancing the appeal of AAC technologies for young children: lessons from the toy manufacturers. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 20, 137-149. Light, J., Drager, K., McCarthy, J., Mellott, S., Millar, D., Parrish, C., et al. (2004). Performance of typically developing four-and five-year-old children with AAC systems using different language organization techniques. Augmentative & Alternative Communication, 20, 63-88. Light, J. & Drager, K. (2002). Improving the design of augmentative and alternative communication technologies for young children. Assistive Technology, 14, 17-32.
Presentations Light, J., Drager, K., & McNaughton, D. (2008, November). Building language and literacy skills with children who require AAC. Seminar presented at the annual convention of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Chicago, IL. Light, J., Wilkinson, K., & Drager, K. (2008, November). Designing effective AAC systems: Research evidence and implications for practice. Seminar presented at the annual convention of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Chicago, IL. Light, J., et al. (2008, November). Children’s representations of early language concepts: Implications for AAC symbols. Technical paper presented at the annual convention of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Chicago, IL.
Light, J. & Drager, K. (2007, November). Evidence-based AAC interventions for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Seminar presented at the annual convention of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Boston, MA. Drager, K., & Light, J. (2006, July). Maximizing Language Development for Young Children Who Require AAC. Paper presented at the biennial conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Dusseldorf, Germany.
|