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| Communication Devices |
| Saturday, May 26, 2007 |
| 4:00 PM–4:50 PM |
| Ford AB |
| Area: DDA |
| Chair: Patricia I. Wright (University of Hawaii) |
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| Increasing Communication Attempts of Students with Significant Disabilities with Speech Generating Devices. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| PATRICIA I. WRIGHT (Easter Seals National Headquarters) |
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| Abstract: An extensive body of literature indicates that providing speech generating devices (SGD’s) to students with significant disabilities increases their communication skills. Unfortunately, many students with significant disabilities do not have SGDs. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of three interventions designed to increase access to SGDs and increase communication attempts. A multiple-probe design across student-teacher dyads (in four classrooms) was used. The results and data from social validity measures supported the hypotheses that direct instruction and support are essential for teachers to introduce and facilitate the use of SGDs with their students. Conversely when solely an SGD is provided or an SGD with video model teachers are not likely to provide access to an SGD and student communication attempts will not increase. |
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