DeLTA Center Roundtable - Faculty Grant Presentations

Meredith Saletta, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences, and Assistant Director of UI Reach Erica Kaldenberg will discuss their research which is supported by the DeLTA Center Interdisciplinary Research Grant and the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates.

Science Text Support Modifications for Postsecondary Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract: Erica Kaldenberg and Meredith Saletta are conducting a study spanning two laboratories to address the need of educational materials which are appropriate for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). These populations include individuals with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, or other disabilities that affect cognition. Most existing educational materials at the college level are too complex at word- and sentence- level to be accessible to these learners, yet more students are enrolling in postsecondary education programs at college campuses. We propose to modify existing college-level science texts in order to make them accessible for students with IDD attending a postsecondary education program. We are investigating which factors, including photographs and/or line drawings, best facilitate comprehension and reading fluency. We are recruiting participants via the UI Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (REACH) program. This project is particularly important from a clinical standpoint as these materials can be relevant in terms of introducing and exploring relevant content and from an educational research perspective as these data would provide insight on effective text supports for adults with IDD.

+ Coffee, water, and pastries will be provided