Using a Single-Switch Voice Output Communication Aid to Increase Social Access for Children With Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms
By Cosbey, Joanna Evans; Johnston, Susan; Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 144-156Publication Date: Summer 2006
Study conducted in which three children with severe multiple disabilities were taught to use a voice output communication aid (VOCA) to request preferred items or friends during play activities. The VOCA used in the study was a single switch device programmed with the phrase, “That looks fun. Can I play?” Data were collected regarding the number of times the children used the device during play activities, as well as the number of times the participants’ peers responded. The study’s results indicated that the students acquired communication skills while using the VOCA over the course of the intervention, as the device allowed them to successfully interact with their nondisabled peers. Implications for future research are discussed. This study was conducted by researchers at the Department of Special Education in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Published by: TASH (Website:http://www.tash.org)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J51151
