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.
Training SLPs to provide adapted literacy instruction (Caron et al., 2019)
At the 2019 ATIA Conference, Caron and colleagues shared findings from a study in which SLPs were trained in adapted literacy instruction from online modules.
Building capacity in AAC (McNaughton et al., 2019)
McNaughton et al. describe strategies to build capacity and awareness in the AAC field to ensure appropriate AAC supports are provided.
State of the science on AAC technology for children with CCN (Light et al., 2019)
Light et al. review the state of the science related to AAC technologies that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs of children with CCN and their partners.
State of the science on new and emerging access technologies (Fager et al., 2019)
Fager et al. discuss the state of the science on emerging alternative access technologies for individuals with severe motor impairments and CCN.
State of the science on designing effective AAC displays (Light et al., 2019)
Light et al. review the state of the science on how various AAC display variables impact the visual attention and performance of children with developmental disabilities and adults with acquired conditions.
Challenges and opportunities in AAC (Light et al., 2019)
Light et al. discuss key advances in the AAC field, the remaining challenges that must be addressed, and key priorities for the future.
Using video VSDs to increase independence (Babb et al., 2019)
At the 2019 ATIA Conference, Babb and colleagues shared how the use of video VSDs during vocational tasks could support adolescents with CCN.
Using Visual Scene Displays to Teach Early Literacy Skills (Bhana et al., 2019)
At the 2019 ATIA Conference, Bhana et al. discussed how video VSD technology can be used to teach early literacy skills.
2019 Student Research & Design Competition: AAC to Support Full Participation
The RERC on AAC announces a $3,000 prize for the 2019 Student Research and Design Competition
Effects of Interventions with Aided AAC Input: A Meta-analysis (O’Neill et al., 2018)
O’Neill et al. report that aided AAC input can enhance expression and comprehension for individuals who use AAC