A positive behaviour support: a preliminary evaluation of a school‐wide plan for implementing AAC in a school for students with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention as part of a school‐wide positive behaviour support plan for enhancing the communication behaviours and reducing behavioural problems of students with intellectual disabilities. The whole staff was involved in developing an educational AAC positive support plan for enhancing communication in the school. An inventory was administered to evaluate differences in communication behaviours and behavioural problems before and after intervention. Teachers learned to assess the communication level of each child, use AAC strategies, incorporate graphic symbols into the students' educational programs and incorporate AAC into the class curriculum. After intervention, communication behaviours increased and problem behaviours decreased significantly. Directions for future research are discussed in the context of positive support plans and AAC.