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.
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
Peer support interventions for preschoolers with ASD (Chapin et al., 2018)
Chapin et al (2018) provide a systematic review of the impact of peer support interventions on the communication of preschoolers with ASD.
AAC and persons with ALS (McNaughton et al., 2018)
McNaughton et al (2018) report the results of survey of persons with ALS regarding their experiences with AAC.
Training pre-service SLPs to use family-centered behaviors (Mandak et al., 2018)
At the 2018 ASHA Conference, Mandak et al. presented their findings on an online training designed to improve the family-centered skill sets of pre-service SLPs.
RERC on AAC at ATIA 2019
Many RERC Partners are scheduled to present at the ATIA 2019 Conference in Orlando, FL.