Literacy for individuals who use AAC: Observations of teachers implementing literacy lessons in schools

Open Access
- Author:
- Livi, Emilia
- Area of Honors:
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Jessica Gosnell Caron, Thesis Supervisor
Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Complex Communication Needs
Special Education
Literacy - Abstract:
- There is currently a gap between research and practice related to the implementation of adapted literacy instruction for individuals who use AAC. This is not surprising considering current practitioners consistently report that they do not feel they have the training or necessary skills to teach these individuals. There are evidence-based literacy practices to instruct individuals who have complex communication needs and require AAC. In order to close the research to practice gap, a better understanding of current practices is necessary. In the current study researchers asked 4 professionals to plan and implement one 30-minute literacy session for one of their students with CCN. Observations were then analyzed using an a priori coding system; the coding system was developed based on components of effective literacy instruction, including: (1) providing sufficient time, (2) targeting appropriate literacy skills, (3) using effective instructional procedures, (4) providing adaptations to support participation, and (5) making instruction meaningful. Results will be discussed per major coding area. Overall, results indicate that professionals were able to provide adaptations for independent participation (e.g., low-tech or high-tech supports), as well as create materials that were meaningful and personally relevant. Yet, the professionals lacked implementation of effective instruction procedures and did not provide sufficient time for instruction of relevant literacy skills. There is a currently an urgent need for literacy training at the preservice and in-service level in order to provide effective literacy instruction. Ideas for future research directions, including access to online trainings, will be discussed.