Improving pronunciation in second language (L2) learning requires timely and personalized feedback but educators have limited time to dedicate in the classroom. While there are many educational tools available, educators are still struggling to integrate technology in their practices. To address this challenge, this study explores repurposing a…

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have limited speech are often taught to communicate using a speech-generating device (SGD). We evaluated procedures for teaching a mand for information (i.e., "Where" is [item]?) using an interrupted behavior chain procedure. In Experiment 1, all participants (3 children with ASD who…

Objective: Evaluate the use of procedures to teach three nonvocal children with autism spectrum disorder to use a speech-generating device to mand for actions. Method: A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness systematic instruction and the use of a behavior chain interruption. Results: All three…

Enabling functional communication is critical for accessibility in school and society for all pupils. This systematic review analyzed the results of educational studies on developing communication skills for learners ([less than or equal to]21 years) with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid intellectual disability. Systematic database searches…

Approximately 65% of young children with visual impairments have another disability such as developmental delay, cerebral palsy, or hearing loss. Furthermore, cerebral/cortical visual impairment is the most prevalent visual condition among young children with severe visual impairment in the United States (Hatton et al., 2013). This article…

Individuals with severe learning disabilities have little or no speech and find it very difficult to communicate and learn new skills. Most of them were excluded from the education process due to the presumed inability to learn. However, it has been observed over time that individuals with severe learning disabilities (SLD) of all ages and types…

A systematic review was conducted to analyze the scope and breadth of the existing training protocols for establishing social and communicative behavior using high-tech, touchscreen devices. This review aimed to determine the degree to which studies evaluating high-tech communication aides have established procedures to extend, or completely…

Students with significant disabilities often struggle to communicate their wants and needs but can be taught widely recognizable communication with the aid of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports. Simple speech generating devices (SGDs) such as Step-by-Step switches or GoTalk can be used by students to send specific messages.…

The evolution of evidence-based practice in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has occurred via two different but related routes: the conventional research-to-practice route and the more common practice-to-research route. This article defines both routes with examples of each and discusses potential problems that may arise when…

This study aimed to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and limited vocal speech to emit target vocalizations while using a speech-generating device (SGD). Of the 4 participants, 3 began emitting vocal word approximations with SGD responses after vocal instructional methods (delays, differential reinforcement, prompting) were…

The school environment adapted to the diversity of students is an important goal, but it is a challenge when it comes to the diversity of students with disabilities. The aim of this study was to describe the use of graphic systems in the routine of a preschool classroom through a collaborative program. The study included a teacher, 22 children of…

Many educators have reported limited education in their training or preparation programs on assistive technology and communication devices. The present study reported on action research conducted in this area using book study groups. Participants included graduate students enrolled in a face-to-face course required within their special education…

Assistive technology enables young children with disabilities to more effectively access their environment, facilitating the development of social-emotional, communicative, and cognitive skills. Research indicates that when service providers make decisions about assistive technology, they are more likely to choose low-tech options over high-tech…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of augmentative communication (AAC), specifically a Flip 'n Talk device, with a preschool student with developmental delays. Also, during data collection he was also being evaluated to determine if he had autism (ASD). The ability to functionally requesting assistance and to functionally…

We evaluated a program for teaching two adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to perform more advanced operations on an iPod-based speech-generating device (SGD). The effects of the teaching program were evaluated in a multiprobe multiple baseline across participants design that included two intervention phases. The first intervention…