Jessica Caron

My research is focused on improving early literacy outcomes for learners who use AAC. My lab has projects that investigate: educational system change, high fidelity implementation, effectiveness of literacy instruction, and implementation variables that impact evidence-based literacy practices for learners who use AAC.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Project ACTION AAC
 Co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Christine Holyfield – University of Arkansas
This project is designed to address the urgent need for highly qualified speech language pathologists (SLPs) to provide research-based services in the schools to improve the language and literacy skills and enhance the academic achievement of children with severe disabilities who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) /assistive technologies (e.g., children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, etc). Funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (2023-2027). Grant H325R230043

Literacy for ALL
Principal Investigator – Dr. Caron and Research Coordinator & Lab Director – Dr. Salena Babb
Individuals with severe disabilities who cannot use speech to communicate and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC; pointing to pictures, using a speech-generating device) are at high risk for life-long health issues that are exacerbated by illiteracy and limited communication skills. Over 90% of these individuals leave high school illiterate, resulting in reduced communication skills and a higher probability of life-long health issues. This project is designed is to examine the efficacy and feasibility of the ALL (Accessible Literacy Learning app by TobiiDynavox) by (1) assessing the effectiveness of the ALL technology on six early literacy skills for children ages 4-12 who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and use AAC, and, (2) assessing the acceptability, feasibility, and adoptability of literacy lessons using the ALL technology to evaluate components that are helpful or hindering to adoption of the ALL technology. Funded by National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Grant R21 DC020814-01
 

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