ERIC Number: EJ756421
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 13
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1540-7969
EISSN: N/A
Using a Single-Switch Voice Output Communication Aid to Increase Social Access for Children with Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms
Cosbey, Joanna Evans; Johnston, Susan
Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), v31 n2 p144-156 Sum 2006
Three young children with severe, multiple disabilities were taught to utilize a voice output communication aid (VOCA) to request access to preferred items and/or peers during play activities. Acquisition of VOCA use resulted from a naturalistic intervention strategy that consisted of creating communication opportunities, prompting the participant to engage in the target behavior via a full physical prompt, and facilitating access to natural consequences for appropriate participant responses. Intervention occurred in the context of naturally occurring free-choice activities in inclusive classrooms. Results showed that the intervention strategy was effective in teaching all three participants to use a VOCA to request access to items and/or peers. The peers generally responded to the participants with either positive or neutral responses. Survey data on the acceptability of the intervention to classroom staff are also discussed. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Severe Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Play, Early Intervention, Peer Relationship, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Inclusive Schools, Mainstreaming, Young Children, Intervention, Generalization, Maintenance, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A