Graduation Term
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Committee Chair
Ciera M. Lorio
Committee Member
Jennifer C. Friberg-Fort
Committee Member
Amy L. Yacucci
Abstract
Children’s museums provide diverse opportunities for young children to learn language through modeling and play. This study evaluated a multi-component training and coaching program for staff and caregivers at children’s museums. The program included direct instruction in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies through online modules and individualized coaching to increase participants’ fidelity, confidence, and knowledge using AAC.
This study used a multiple-baseline single case design across three participants. Participants included staff at a local children’s museum (n=1) and parent/child dyads of children who use AAC (n=2). Videos of interactions between the participants and an AAC user were collected in the baseline and intervention phases of the study; these videos were later analyzed for percentage of participant utterances modeled and utterance type. Additionally, participant self-report ratings of knowledge, purpose/implementation, and confidence in AAC, partner-augmented input, and communication partner strategies were collected pre- and post-intervention.
The results of this study revealed that communication partner training and coaching increased participants’ knowledge and confidence in using AAC communication partner strategies; however, a functional relationship was not established regarding implementation fidelity. Participants noted the program had high social validity. These findings serve as a starting point for subsequent community-based communication partner training and coaching programs, highlighting areas for improvement and expansion in future studies aimed at decreasing communication barriers for AAC users in public spaces.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Hogue, Hannah R., "Coaching Staff and Caregivers to Implement AAC Communication Partner Strategies in Children’s Museums: A Single Case Design Study" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2403.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2403