Communication Training Supporting an AAC User with Severe Intellectual Disability: Application of the Communication Partner Instruction Model

Abstract This investigation employed the Communication Partner Instruction (CPI) training model in a large North Carolina residential facility for persons with significant intellectual disabilities. A single-subject multiple baseline study design was employed by researchers. Four adult women (staff participants) were trained to support the expressive communicative abilities of one individual with severe intellectual disabilities (resident) who used AAC (a static book of approximately 100 symbols). Staff participants varied with respect to their daily contact and interaction with the resident. Two participants were staff trainers, one was a chaplain, and one was a teacher. Staff participants experienced demonstrable gains with two of three trained dependent variables: providing communication opportunities and modeling AAC system use. Results of training for a third variable, assuring AAC system access, were inconclusive. Training effects were not maintained post intervention. The resident, though not a focus of training efforts, initiated communication with her system more frequently with all staff participants after training. Findings provide preliminary support for CPI training as a means of teaching communication partners strategies to support AAC use; although, additional research is needed. Future directions for CPI training and study are proposed.
Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities - Category: Disability Source Type: research