Developing better ways to measure language development in individuals using communication devices
Official title: Measuring Aided Language Development
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-11056068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating better ways to measure how well people who use communication devices, like picture symbols, are developing their language skills, so that they can get the right support and help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021160-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults who use AAC devices to communicate, particularly those with conditions affecting language development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use AAC devices or have typical language development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create validated measures for assessing language development in individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, such as picture symbols. Currently, there are no reliable tools to accurately measure language production in these individuals, which hampers effective diagnosis and treatment. The researchers will systematically develop and test these measures to ensure they accurately reflect language skills. By improving the assessment tools, the study seeks to enhance the understanding and support of language acquisition for those who rely on AAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate assessments and improved language acquisition outcomes for individuals using AAC devices.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on spoken language measures, this approach to developing validated measures for aided communication is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kent-Walsh, Jennifer — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Kent-Walsh, Jennifer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Risk and Prevention among Trans Women
A study to improve STI testing and prevention for trans women by testing self-collection vs clinician collection, and by measuring STI prevalence across sites and how social factors influence risk.
-
Collaborative AI for safer, faster bacteremia care
A physician-centered AI system is being built to help diagnose and treat bloodstream infections more accurately and safely, with the goal of reducing sepsis deaths.
-
Bayesian data tools to map and fight syphilis and congenital syphilis
A data-driven, bayesian approach will turn messy health data into clear, local-level insights to prevent congenital syphilis and reduce syphilis in communities.
-
Harnessing neuron-derived vesicles to find Huntington’s disease biomarkers
A research project aims to identify brain-derived biomarkers in blood that reflect Huntington disease activity, using neuronal extracellular vesicles as the signal source.
-
Heart nerves: mapping how the heart’s sensing nerves connect in health and diabetes
This project maps the nerve pathways that sense heart signals in healthy and diabetic hearts to identify targets for therapies that could reduce heart injury.
-
Strengths-based suicide prevention for Black sexual minority youth
A research project aims to help Black sexual minority youth reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors by understanding protective factors and risks in everyday life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.