Thesis advisor: Susan BruceAugmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is central to the lives of many individuals who are not able to effectively use spoken language. AAC systems are an essential component of a student’s ability to access his/her world, including daily communication and school content. The provision of such systems is a high priority in the field and supports the emancipation of those with limited voice, power, and independence that must function within a social structure that has been designed for the more typically abled. The study employed a single-case multiple staggered baseline design with randomized intervention implementation and intervention schedule using the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards from 2010. Five students with complex disabilities using advanced speech generating devices with the LAMP method, Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning, (Halloran & Halloran, 2006), of picture symbol organization participated in the study. The LAMP method was examined, and the potential impact on language and communication it may have. Specifically, the ability to use print versus picture symbols for communication and literacy was investigated within the context of a highly structured 1:1 literacy lesson facilitated by interventionists. Results indicated that all students made varying degrees of gains in the use of print words. These gains were sustained in the generalization phase. Operational skills were impacted demonstrated by increased skill development in navigation of the speech generating device and the type of vocabulary selected. In addition, communication functions were expanded, and in some cases, there was a significant increase in the complexity of word usage across people and settings. Discussions on interventionists perceptions are presented and integrated within individual student results providing context and direction on training needs.Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2016.Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education.Discipline: Teacher Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction
