Date
Summer 2023
ESRP 9000 Professor
Jason Abreu, Ed.D.
ESRP 9001 Professor
Jason Abreu, Ed.D.
Executive Summary
This strategic research project was designed to provide public school organizations with an action plan to improve communication skills in students who require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Students who have speech or language disorders may require AAC to communicate their wants and needs as well as participate socially and academically in the school environment. Prior research from a literature review was used to support the fact that most educators and speech-language pathologists lack knowledge on how to implement AAC for students who have complex communication needs. The problem within the organization is lack of implementation of AAC within special education classrooms. Multiple strategies were proposed to assist educators in becoming more knowledgeable about AAC, including providing professional development opportunities and hiring AAC specialists. The action plan explains the steps to hire AAC specialists. To implement this strategic research project, funding and approval must be available from the board of education. AAC specialists will be speech-language pathologists already employed by the organization and will receive a stipend for their extra training and knowledge of AAC interventions. The goal of this strategic research project is to build capacity for the organization to have a better understanding of why AAC is important and how to implement AAC across all educational settings. Building capacity for teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and speech-language pathologists would create an inclusive environment where all modalities of communication are understood and honored. With the implementation of the action plan, all students will have the opportunity to communicate effectively.
Document Type
Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
College
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Brittany Harmon. 2023. A Strategic Research Project Examining the Implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Methods in Public Schools. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. (57)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_srp/57.