Date on Honors Thesis

Fall 11-25-2025

Major

Communication Disorders

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Stephanie Schaaf, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Nikki Gaylord, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Chanel Schwenck, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Jessica Naber, Committee Member

Abstract/Description

The United States public school system requires the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) for qualifying students with disabilities (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Speech, language, and hearing related disabilities are among the qualifying categories (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Students with these disabilities may have complex communication needs (CCN), or significant limitations in their speech, language, and communication abilities (Communication Rights Australia, 2018). Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), a type of assistive technology, offers support for these students, however, several barriers inhibit full communicative participation (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], n.d.-a). This exploratory qualitative study examined pre-service educators’ perspectives on AAC to better understand their knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to AAC and their preparedness in working with this population of students. Ten undergraduate elementary education students within one year of their student teaching experiences participated in one-on-one interviews exploring their exposure to AAC and their self-perceived readiness to support students with CCN. Participants discussed their perspectives and experiences related to AAC with knowledge, skill, and attitude being the key variables examined. Findings indicated that pre-service elementary educators are not appropriately prepared to support AAC learning. Pre-service educators have low levels of knowledge and skill and positive attitudes towards AAC. Implications for teacher preparation programs and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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