ERIC Number: EJ1045093
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Jun
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1540-7969
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Promoting Peer Interactions in Inclusive Classrooms for Students Who Use Speech-Generating Devices
Chung, Yun-Ching; Carter, Erik W.
Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, v38 n2 p94-109 Jun 2013
Even when enrolled in general education classes, students with complex communication challenges may remain socially isolated from their classmates when receiving one-to-one paraprofessional support. We evaluated the efficacy and social validity of an intervention package incorporating paraprofessional facilitation, peer initiation, and increased availability of speech-generating devices (SGDs) for early adolescents with disabilities attending inclusive classrooms. Two students with an intellectual disability, their parents, peers without disabilities, paraprofessionals, and classroom teachers participated in this study. We used a multiple baseline design across participants and classrooms to evaluate the intervention package's impact on social interaction among students with and without disabilities. In addition, we conducted individual interviews to explore the acceptability of the multicomponent package. Following the intervention, students' interactions with peers increased in three classrooms and SGD use increased in all four classrooms. Participants perceived the intervention to be important, appropriate, and beneficial. We discuss implications and recommendations for improving the social participation of students with complex communication challenges.
Descriptors: Peer Relationship, Interaction, Mental Retardation, Assistive Technology, Paraprofessional School Personnel, Early Adolescents, Interviews, Program Effectiveness, Middle School Students, Autism, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Training, Observation, Prompting, Proximity
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A