Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
5-19-2022
Year of Publication
2022
Degree Name
Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders (MSCSD)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Health Sciences
Department/School/Program
Communication Sciences & Disorders
First Advisor
Dr. Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker
Abstract
Background: Students with complex communication needs (CCN) rely on the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to support their communication; however, many students are leaving high school without an effective form of communication. To build capacity and increase school professionals’ knowledge and self-efficacy in AAC, this thesis used an adaptation of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) for use with AAC.
Methods: Using a post then pre-retrospective survey, participants self-reported changes in knowledge, confidence, and overall satisfaction with ECHO sessions. Paired sample t-tests assessed participant-reported change in knowledge. Frequency counts were used to analyze responses about confidence and overall satisfaction.
Results: 79 unique participants from a variety of professional backgrounds attended at least one ECHO session. Participants reported increased knowledge and confidence after participating in ECHO sessions, 99% of participants were satisfied with ECHO sessions, and 94% planned to share information from the ECHO sessions with others.
Discussion: Overall, evaluative data from this pilot ECHO in AAC indicated the ECHO model may be an effective tool for providing high-quality, accessible professional education in AAC.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.10323/etd.2022.166
Recommended Citation
Reinhart, Lillie, "Learner Outcomes from an ECHO in Augmentative and Alternative Communication" (2022). Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders. 20.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/commdisorders_etds/20
