The Effect of a Speech-Generating iPad Application on the Communication Outcomes of Students Who Have Complex Communication Needs in Educational Settings: Three Case Studies

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the efficacy of the use of a speech-generating application on the Apple iPad as a speech-generating device (SGD) by measuring three students' progress towards individual communication goals using the Speak for Yourself! (SFY) speech-generating app. The proposed speech-generating device was implemented into regularly scheduled speech-language therapy sessions with 3 students with complex communication needs (CCNs) over a 12-week period. Data measured at three different points were collected by students' speech-language pathologists using Goal Attainment Scaling. Results were positive. All student participants made progress towards, reached, or exceeded communication goals during the of 12-week period when using SFY in regularly scheduled speech-language therapy. This suggests that school-aged students with CCNs can benefit from the use of an iPad as a SGD.