The effects of AAC intervention using switches on the class participation behaviors of high school students with physical and multiple disabilities

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of AAC intervention on the class participation of high school students with physical and multiple disabilities using switches. Method: The study used the multiple probe baseline design across subjects to determine the effectiveness of AAC intervention using switch on the frequency of high school students' participation behavior in class. Three high school students with physical and multiple disabilities, who have difficulty with verbal communication and movement, participated in the study. Results: Both the total frequency of all students' class participation behavior and participation behavior using switch were increased in comparison to baseline level. And the increased frequency of students' class participation behavior was maintained after the withdrawal of the intervention. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the applicability of assistive technology, such as switches, in AAC intervention to increase class participation of students with multiple physical disabilities.