Improving outcomes using augmentative and alternative communication for children who are deaf and hard of hearing: a Technology Assisted Language Intervention (TALI) randomized control trial
Deborah Mood, Ph.D., site PI, University of Colorado Denver
Jareen Meinzen-Derr, Ph.D., PI Cincinnati Children's Hospital
COMIRB: 19-2717
Funding: National Institutes of Health 1RO1DC018550
Dates: 4/1/20-3/31/25 (no cost extension 3/31/26)
Colorado Research Team
Deborah Mood, Jess Reidies, Lindsay Kendall, Amy Frisbie, Lisa Martin, Alyssa Kearney, & Kellie Sitarz
What is the goal of the study?
The goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two speech language therapy approaches on improving language skills of children who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH). The study compares traditional speech/language therapy with speech/language therapy supported with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), the TALI program for children. This study takes place in Cincinnati, OH and in Colorado. We have enrolled over 150 deaf/hard of hearing children across both sites.
What did we find?
This study is currently completing data collection and no longer enrolling new study participants. We enrolled 59 children in Colorado. So far, the study has shown that deaf/hard of hearing children who receive TALI (the AAC supported speech/language therapy) make significantly better progress in their receptive and expressive language skills. Children over 5 years of age who receive TALI also make more gains in pragmatic (social communication) skills than children receiving typical speech language therapy. Finally, we learned that TALI may support language learning for deaf/hard of hearing children who have executive functioning difficulties.
Why is this important?
Children who are deaf/hard of hearing often present with language delays, that sometimes persist into adulthood. These language delays can have a negative impact on DHH children’s academic, social, and behavioral outcomes. Unfortunately, there are very few interventions that demonstrate a significant impact on improving language outcomes for children who are deaf/hard of hearing. TALI demonstrates a novel way to maximize DHH children’s natural visual strengths to support language learning.
Next Steps?
We will complete final data collection. Once data collection is complete and analyzed, we will be able to share our findings with the community.