Photo on the left is me holding an AAC device, and on the right is after presenting at ArkSHA.
Author: MaryGrace Ratcliffe | Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders | Semester: Fall 2022
Hello, my name is MaryGrace Ratcliffe, and I am a senior at the University of Arkansas studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Since my junior year, I have been working with my honors mentor, Rachel Glade, to research Intervention for AAC in Public Schools and Private Practice Examined. I chose this topic because being able to communicate with the people around you is very important to me, especially when a person may not have the ability to use spoken language. This opportunity has allowed me to see how rewarding the occupation of speech-language pathology can be and I have been able to see the progress that multiple students made with the use of AAC and speech-language therapy. For my research, I observed at a public school as well as private practice to gain more knowledge surrounding AAC. This is where I observed users of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). This project aimed to promote the importance of AAC and identify the differences (if any) in how public school and private practice speech-language pathologists teach and use AAC with students and families. AAC devices serve an important role for those who are non-verbal, or highly unintelligible. My research has allowed me to gain experience in the field of speech-language pathology and acquire knowledge about AAC.
To develop research, I was given to opportunity to observe Missy Shrum at Prairie Grove Elementary School and Angela Kremer at the Children’s Therapy Team. Over the course of two semesters at these locations, I gained a total of 45 hours observing children who use AAC devices while receiving therapy. My study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Arkansas and was funded by the Honors College Research Grant and the Honors College Travel Grant. Being rewarded the Honors College Research Grant and Honors College Travel Grant from the University of Arkansas I would not have had the support to travel to both locations and Little Rock to present my honors thesis. These grants have assisted me to further my research education while also developing professional skills along the way. I recently presented my honors thesis at the 2022 Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention (ArkSHA) in Little Rock, Ar. Here, I presented what I found while observing both settings and any recommendations I had for AAC and how it is used for intervention. This trip exposed me to a professional environment that contributed to my growth, knowledge, and confidence.
Next, I plan to earn my Master of Science following my senior year and hope to remain here at the University of Arkansas. Through my research, I have learned more about AAC that will benefit me as a future speech-language pathologist. Presenting at the 2022 ArkSHA convention gave me more knowledge, exposed me to professional skills, and left me with a meaningful experience that will help prepare me for gaining my Master of Science, and my future career. I am thankful for the encouragement I received from my mentor, Rachel Glade, and my professors who have assisted and supported me. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity as a senior and am excited to apply these skills toward my education.