To enhance the (functional) communicative skills of children/adolescents with severe communicative problems with the use of specialized AAC aids in order to optimize their participation at home, in school and other social contexts.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
ernstige communicatieve beperkingen al dan niet gepaard gaande met een meervoudige beperking
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The primary study parameters are the by Schalock (2000) defined dimensions and
indicators for the measurement of quality of life: (1) emotional well-being,
(2) interpersonal relationships, (3) material well-being, (4) personal
development, (5) physical well-being, (6) self determination, (7) social
inclusion, (8) rights, with additional criteria focusing on (a) functional
communication skills, and (b) (emergent) literacy.
Secondary outcome
- Evaluation of the use of the AAC device
- Applicability of AAC devices in educational settings
- Requirements of the AAC device related to professionals/parents
Background summary
The clinical practice (speech therapists, educational scientists, teachers) are
increasingly confronted with individuals who have to depend on a wide array of
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices, but who do not have
access to such devices. In clinical practice these AAC devices are only
provided minimally and for those individuals with such a device, the use of it
is often not prosperous. Involved organizations, professionals and potential
users often don't have the insight in the wide array of devices available and
the possibilities of such devices. In the case an AAC device is offered, this
is often not prosperous because the device is not adequately adjusted to the
expectations of the user and his surroundings.
Study objective
To enhance the (functional) communicative skills of children/adolescents with
severe communicative problems with the use of specialized AAC aids in order to
optimize their participation at home, in school and other social contexts.
Study design
Four cohorts with each 60 participants (experimental group: N = 30; control
group: N = 30) will be followed in their development for 2.5 years. During
these 2.5 years there will be six assessments.
Intervention
The children/adolescents in the intervention group will be presented with a
'best user fit' AAC-device during a two-year intervention. Based on assessments
and evaluations this device will continually be fitted to the (newly acquired)
communicative, intellectual and physical possibilities of the child/adolescent.
Subsequently the child/adolescent and his/her (professional) environment will
be trained in the use of the AAC-device. The intervention group will be
compared on several study parameters to a control group of children/adolescents
already possessing an AAC-device, but who do/did not receive any adequate
training.
Study burden and risks
The researchers are not aware of burdens or risks mentioned in literature or in
practice arising from extending an AAC-device. Participants will acquire mere
benefits from participation in the present research, namely:
- Feedback on the use of the AAC device by the participant and his environment.
- Adjustment of the AAC device by changing desires
- Stimulation of development and adaptable to mental age
Group relatedness is not an issue in this study. Researchers will not benefit
from a participants participation besides gaining research data.
Ds. Th. Fliednerstraat 2
Postbus 347, 5600 AH Eindhoven
NL
Ds. Th. Fliednerstraat 2
Postbus 347, 5600 AH Eindhoven
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Children/adolescents with severe communicative problems;
Children/adolescents with an age of 3, 5, 12 and 14 years;
Children/adolescents with and without AAC aid
Exclusion criteria
Deafblindness
IQ < 25
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL38926.091.12 |