Paths to reading: promoting augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) based teaching for high impact early reading skills

PATHS TO READING: PROMOTING AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC) BASED TEACHING FOR EARLY READING SKILLS

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded Vanderbilt University a $397,890 Project Grant effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, under the Special Education Educational Technology Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities program (CFDA 84.327). The project develops and demonstrates evidence-based instructional approaches that integrate high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to improve early reading skills for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade with neurodevelopmental disabilities who use limited speech. The intervention targets four core competencies: letter and letter sound knowledge, phonological awareness skills, concepts of print, and vocabulary with expressive communication.

Project delivery involves two sub-awardees. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (sub-awarded December 23, 2025) provides technical assistance and develops online learning modules housed on a learning management system while supporting data accessibility. Florida State University's Sponsored Research Administration Division (sub-awarded December 19, 2025) implements the evidence-based instructional model utilizing integrated AAC technology to deliver direct reading intervention and instruction. This collaborative effort produces both instructional content and online professional development resources designed to support educators implementing technology-based reading interventions for students with disabilities.