|
|
|
Faculty of Education
School of Educational Studies
Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC)
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
The research activities of the CAAC in 2002 proved to be most stimulating and innovative. One of the highlights for 2002 is the finalisation of the Collaborative Research and Training Project on Early Childhood Intervention sponsored by SANPAD (South African Netherlands Programme for Alternatives in Development). The project included the development of a world-first multiprofessional web-based Masters course in Early Childhood Intervention. It produced its first graduates at the end of 2002 with 24 students representing 6 different professions. This is the culmination of three years of collaborative work with numerous local and international experts in the field of Early Childhood Development. This innovative process of training students via the web has been documented and published. The findings have shown that students gained greatly from on-line peer interaction during the course of the learning process. Not only were they able to become more critical reviewers of different theoretical, professional and community perspectives in early childhood intervention, but they also gained skills in facilitating practical application of their work. The findings are particularly encouraging in view of the focus on poverty and HIV/AIDS throughout the course. This research will be extended in collaboration with the Malardalen University in Sweden to focus on family-focused early intervention and disability issues.
The CAAC has also been involved in research regarding multi-cultural issues surrounding AAC assessment and intervention. Results from a survey (conducted in conjunction with The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication) in 11 developing countries suggested that there are common problems regarding AAC implementation throughout the developing world. Those issues highlighted in the survey include: lack of resources; lack of culturally and language appropriate resource materials and insufficient knowledge regarding AAC and its implementation. These survey results highlighted the need for improving existing training materials to become more culturally relevant in order to provide accountable services to clients.
Contact person: Prof E Alant.
|
|
|
|
