LAMP Words for Life for Language Acquisition: Increasing Teacher and Educational Assistant Use of AAC Devices in Special Education Classrooms

LAMP Words for Life is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) modality in the form of an iPad application. It is used all over the world by children and adults with complex communication needs. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of such software, however, many Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) report limited use among educators in their classrooms.

To address this issue, this project created an online self-directed course to provide educators a foundational understanding of the LAMP Words for Life application and the development of functional language. The course was evaluated for usability and learning effectiveness with 17 participants (n = 17). The results revealed that the course increased the general knowledge of LAMP Words for Life among the participants and their comfort level modeling in the classroom. This presentation will share complete findings of the evaluation, with an emphasis on surprising results that may fuel future redesign to the course before it becomes a resource for school district personnel.

Course may be found here: https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/6MC64R