RERC on AAC
The RERC on AAC is a collaborative center committed to advancing knowledge and producing innovative engineering solutions in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The RERC on AAC will support a research and development program that addresses three areas of rehabilitation science and engineering:
- Improving access to technologies through exploration of innovative approaches and through integration of multi-modalities;
- Developing innovative language support technologies, including natural language processing and computer-mediation, to support effective communication for children and adults with limited access to language;
- Improving the human computer interface to reduce cognitive visual processing demands and enhance communication performance.
We also will support a range of training and dissemination activities. Our goal is that the AAC technologies and knowledge generated by the RERC on AAC will enable individuals with complex communication needs to achieve the basic human right of communication, and to maximize their participation in education, employment, health and community activities.
Student Engineering Partnerships for Spring 2018
The RERC on AAC partnered with two student engineering Learning Factory teams at Penn State University in the spring of 2018
Literacy Instruction for learners with complex communication needs
Jess Caron and colleagues discussed effective literacy interventions for learners with complex communication needs a full-day workshop at ATIA 2018
Update on the RERC on AAC
The partners in the RERC on AAC presented an update on research and development activities at ATIA 2018
Online supports for preservice and inservice instruction in AAC
David McNaughton and Chris Klein presented on the development of an AAC MOOC at ATIA 2018
Communication supports for people with motor speech disorders
Hanson and Fager describe communication supports that can enhance participation, as described in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Patient provider communication across medical settings
Nordness and Beukelman highlight strategies to support consistent, effective patient–provider communication in various medical settings
Patient-provider communication for people with severe dysarthria
Beukelman and Nordness discuss policy and system change for patient provider communications in medical situations.
Video VSDs for Adolescents with ASD
Babb and colleagues presented on the use of video VSDs with adolescents with ASD at ATIA 2018 in Orlando, FL.
Family Leisure as a Context to Support Communication for Children With ASD: Case Study
O’Neill et al presented research of the effects of family leisure on an individual with ASD’s communication skills at the 2017 ASHA Convention,
Effects of Interventions with Aided AAC Input: A Meta-analysis
At the 2017 ASHA Convention, O’Neill et al presented their findings on the effects of aided AAC input interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities.