Graduation Term
Fall 2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Department of Special Education
Committee Chair
Sarah L. Ballard
Committee Member
Yun-Ching Chung
Committee Member
Melinda R. Snodgrass
Abstract
This utilization-focused evaluation study aimed to describe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports to enhance communication accessibility for children with complex communication needs in a children’s museum. Utilizing feedback from museum staff and parents of children with communication disabilities, the study sought to identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of AAC supports in creating more inclusive community spaces. A utilization-focused evaluation framework (Patton & Campbell-Patton, 2022) guided the assessment of embedded-aided communication supports within the museum, ensuring that findings were relevant and actionable for stakeholders. The evaluation revealed three key insights: (a) the importance of communication access through multiple modalities, (b) the role of social awareness in supporting inclusive communication, and (c) the need for enhanced communication partner training and education. Additionally, while parent museum users and museum staff evaluation users recognized the benefits of the communication access program, they also identified limitations and areas for improvement. This study provides recommendations for future research and practice, emphasizing the value of stakeholder-driven evaluations in promoting communication accessibility in community settings.
Access Type
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Yacucci, Amy L., "Communication Supports to Enhance the Community Participation of Young Children with Complex Communication Needs: A Utilization-Focused Evaluation" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 2017.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2017