Accessible Reading Intervention: A Work in Progress

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on the development of Internet-based assessment and intervention tools for improving reading skills in adults with complex communication needs. The high rate of reading problems among people with complex communication needs is explained within the context of factors that place people at risk of experiencing difficulties in learning to read. There is evidence to suggest that appropriate and direct reading instruction can result in improved reading skills even in the face of these risk factors. The development of an assessment protocol and an intervention to teach word reading using an analytic approach is described. These programs, which are available on the Web, were developed for use by people with complex communication needs in an attempt to redress the paucity of suitable and readily accessible materials for use with adults.

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Reading
• Phonological awareness
• Reading instruction
• Internet
• World wide web