Current Projects

Special Education faculty members have projects they are currently engaged in. These projects are listed below:

AAC-in-Action

AAC-in-Action Project is to promote and conduct interdisciplinary research and training in the application and use of communication technology for people with severe communication problems. The focus is on collaborative problem- solving of issues surrounding the use of AAC strategies within the school and community context.

The primary contact person is: Dr. Erna Alant.

Law & Disorder Journal

Law & Disorder is a special education journal by undergraduate education students at Indiana University. It publishes undergraduate manuscripts on specific issues concerning learners with exceptionalities and the laws that govern them. The intent of Law & Disorder is to inform educators, parents, law-makers, preservice teachers, and undergraduate students of the effects of educational policy and law on students with exceptionalities.

The primary contact person is: Dr. Theresa A. Ochoa.

Promoting Early Social Communication for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This intervention research study is in the analysis phase following a multi-year, multi-site project to promote early social communication for toddlers with early signs of autism spectrum disorders.   The parent-mediated intervention protocol was designed to promote joint attention, a preverbal competency that is a foundational precursor for language. 

The primary contact person is: Dr. Hannah H. Schertz

 New Initiative for Distance Education Advancement

The New IDEA project is supported by the Indiana University School of Education for the development of online courses that will comprise a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders.  Activities include development of interactive technologies for the online courses, awareness, and program assessment activities.

The primary contact person is:  Dr. Hannah H. Schertz