OUR MISSION
To partner with SLPs, teachers, families, individuals who use AAC, school districts, and community leaders to improve literacy outcomes for individuals with complex communication needs.
To improve teacher/parent/service provider access to, and implementation of, evidence-informed literacy instruction.
To share ideas, resources, and materials related to the science of reading for individuals with complex communication needs who use AAC.
To contribute research that advances the knowledge around the science of reading for learner with complex communication needs.
To help advocate for equity and inclusion of ALL individuals in relation to the fundamental right of learning to read.
OUR TEAM
Jessica Caron, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Jessica Caron is an Assistant Professor at Penn State University. Dr. Caron’s work is focused on improving language and literacy outcomes for learners who use AAC. Specifically, she is interested in improving literacy outcomes through the use of technology and trainings of relevant stakeholders, to close the research-to-practice gap. Dr. Caron is certified as a SLP and has significant experience working on interdisciplinary teams to meet the needs of individuals with CCN. She held the HHD Mark T. Greenberg Emerging Professor position for 3 years to support efforts in advancing literacy research for individuals who use AAC and is currently the PI of an NIH NIDCD R21 that is investigating the effects of the Accessible Literacy Learning App in schools (R21DC020814-01).
Salena Babb, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Salena’s research focuses on improving academic and communication outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and communication disorders. Looking at best practices of implementation science, she is interested in research that addresses the training of staff members (e.g., teachers, paraprofessionals, speech-language pathologists) in implementing effective academic interventions. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education from Penn State University and currently works as the research coordinator for the AAC and Literacy Lab at Penn State.
Dana Hall
Dana has been working at P.G. Chambers School for 12 years. She received her undergraduate degree at the Pennsylvania State University and her masters from George Washington University. As a senior speech therapist she has experience both implementing and evaluating students for Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems. Dana has presented at district trainings across northern New Jersey and several national conferences.
Jennifer Jacobs
Jen has been working at P.G. Chambers School for 15 years. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Penn State. Jen plays an integral role in the AT team at P.G. Chambers School by completing AT/AAC evaluations, consultations, trainings and participating in the AAC clinic. Jen has presented at district trainings across northern New Jersey and several national conferences. Jen has helped initiate innovative programs and give real-life opportunities for students with CCN.
Ashley Kost
Ashley is a mom of three. Her son Nathan has Cerebral Palsy and uses high-tech AAC to communicate. Ashley has extensive experience in implementing and adapting literacy instruction to her son.
Julie Burns
Julie is an AAC user and an advocate for disability rights. She has presented for organizations and Universities. She is a Boston Children’s Hospital LEND Fellow Alum. For a few years now I have been doing research with Penn State (Dr. Jessica Caron’s lab) on AAC users and literacy. I really enjoy my work as a researcher and advocate for the AAC community and am excited for what the future holds for this wonderful community.