ENHANCING AAC MODELS IN ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of training and coaching neurotypical peers on aided language modeling (ALM), specifically in their ability to provide increased and effective models on a peer’s augmentative and alternative (AAC) device. The neurotypical peers received training and coaching to apply the strategy while interacting with an AAC user during social break times in a third-grade general education classroom. A multiple-probe design across participants was implemented to assess the impact of the peer training and coaching intervention. The results showed that this intervention was effective in increasing the frequency of ALMs provided by neurotypical peers.