These courses are open to all graduate students in the Department of Communication Disorders and to graduate students from other departments with permission of the instructor. This graduate level course is a seminar focused on current topics in AAC that are pertinent to the field, and of particular interest to the students. Students attend each class prepared to discuss the assigned readings and ready to share their interpretation and critical analysis with their peers. The topics vary from year to year, depending on current student interests. At the conclusion of thecourse, students are able to demonstrate proficiency operating and programming a wide range of AAC technology through critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the systems as well as through customization.
Students work on research teams under the supervision of a faculty member.
They assist with reviewing the literature, collecting data, and analyzing results. There are frequent opportunities to be involved in presentations at local, national, and international conferences, and occasional opportunities to be involved in assisting in writing journal articles and book chapters. For further information about AAC research projects at Penn State, click here. Additional opportunities in an independent study include a readings course. Clinical Experiences in AAC The Penn State Speech and Hearing Clinic offers assessment and intervention in AAC for individuals with significant communication impairments.