AAC Research to Practice Lab Collaborative

The AAC Research to Practice Lab Collaborative is a collection of research labs focused on translating research findings to practice and improving clinical outcomes for individuals with complex communication needs who require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to meet some or all of their communication needs. The three labs and their respective Principal Investigators are as follows:

• AAC Child Language Assessment and Intervention Lab (PI: Kent-Walsh)
• AAC Early Communication and Play Lab (PI: Feuerstein)

Aphasia and Related Conditions Research Lab

Members of the ARC Research Lab at University of Central Florida conduct research to better understand the complex processing of speech and language and its breakdown in individuals with aphasia and apraxia of speech, develop new and explore effective treatment approaches, and examine variables that impact treatment success.

Craniofacial and Speech Imaging Lab

The Craniofacial and Speech Imaging Lab focuses on improving speech and surgical outcomes for individuals born with craniofacial differences. Our lab examines cranial and muscle variations and its effects on speech physiology using an array of methods including MRI, advanced 3D visualization, and acoustic sampling. Current collaborative research also focuses on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also referred to as Velocardiofacial syndrome/ DiGeorge syndrome).

Early Language & Literacy Intervention & Education Lab

The Early Language & Literacy Intervention & Education (ELLIE) lab is focused on building the capacity of individuals working with young children experiencing language impairments and those considered at-risk. We develop and evaluated the successful implementation of evidence-based practices to support young children’s language and emergent literacy skills in naturalistic settings.

Fluency Disorders Lab

The Fluency Disorders Lab focuses on applied research in the area of fluency disorders (such as stuttering, cluttering etc…). More specifically, Martine Vanryckeghem’s research is centered around evidence-based assessment, allowing for more accurate differential diagnosis. Basic to this approach is the investigation of the intrinsic components or the “view from within” the child and adult who is dysfluent. Towards this goal,  Vanryckeghem has developed and researched nine self-report tests from the age of three through adulthood, that are standardized and have been normed in 30+ countries in different continents.  As a follow-up to the assessment, her research has also focused on evidence-based treatment through systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Reading and Oral Comprehension in Kids & Teens Lab

The primary focus of the ROCK&T Lab is to probe the language and cognitive underpinnings of written and oral comprehension challenges for children and adolescents with autism in order to develop targeted interventions. Intervention research will include peer-mediated as well as parent-facilitated comprehension strategy instruction augmented by evidence-based practices for students with autism.

Voice Lab

The voice lab provides laryngeal imaging of the vocal folds and upper airway, acoustic, aerodynamic analysis of laryngeal function as well as respiratory and pulmonary assessment. We treat a wide variety of disorders from professional voices, to neurologic disorders (i.e. parkinson’s disease, ALS, MS, MG, stroke), aging voice issues, athletes (who develop breathing disorders), chronic cough, transgender/voice affirmation services, corporate voice, laryngeal cancer and head & neck cancer issues.