The feasibility of just-in-time programming of visual scene displays on mobile technology in AAC intervention for adult beginning communicators

Adults with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities who are beginning communicators can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of just-in-time programming of visual scene displays during ongoing interactions in an AAC intervention with adults who were beginning communicators. A single subject multiple probe design across four adult participants (ages 29-48) was used to evaluate the intervention. The intervention consisted of the creation of visual scene displays on a tablet computer while engaging the participants with songs, books, and games using just-in-time programming during the activities. Participants completed a minimum of five baseline and five intervention sessions. All participants demonstrated an increase in intentional and conventional communication turns during social interaction when the intervention was implemented. None of the participants discontinued using other intentional and conventional communication modes upon introduction to the tablet system. This intervention approach holds promise for adults with severe disabilities who remain at a beginning communicator level in young and middle adulthood. It is never too late for AAC intervention for any individual.