The Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinical Assessment Project (AAC-CAP)

Project Description:

AAC-CAP is a three-year development project funded by the National Institute for Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (Award # H133G130275).

Prescribing the appropriate AAC system for a client is a multi-faceted and complex task. Many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who are asked to conduct such assessments have had limited training/preparation in this area. The information gained from this research will lead to improved assessment processes and the development of training and educational materials to better prepare SLPs to work with clients whose communication can be enhanced through AAC.

This project is a collaborative effort between the following researchers:

  • Dr. Shelley Lund, Director of the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Lab at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
  • Dr. Miechelle McKelvey at the University of Nebraska – Kearney
  • Dr. Wendy Quach at San Jose State University
  • Dr. Kristy Weissling at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

The goal of the project is to develop protocols to assist SLPs when assessing individuals for AAC systems.

We have completed the protocols for assessing children with autism and adults with aphasia!  We are looking for individuals who specialize in AAC and autism or AAC and aphasia to help us validate the protocols.  The protocols for ALS and Cerebral Palsy are in development and we will be seeking participants to help validate those protocols later in the spring.  In the summer and fall we will be seeking General Practice SLPs to try out the protocols.  If you are interested in participating in any of our current or future studies, please contact aaclab@uwm.edu


Status Update for AAC – Clinical Assessment Project


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