Join Our 2027 AAC Pilot Study

Do you support children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)? Pretzel Learning, LLC invites speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathology assistants, paraeducators, and other eligible AAC communication partners to express interest in an upcoming pilot study.

About the study

Pretzel Learning, LLC developed these materials to demonstrate practical approaches to supporting expressive language during shared storybook reading.

The pilot study, tentatively titled Story-Based Syntax and Noun-Referent Supports for AAC Communication Partners, is being developed in partnership with the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) and the National Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers, & Interveners (NRCP).

The study will explore whether and how a coordinated set of story-based materials affects AAC communication partners’ self-reported preparedness to model and expand expressive language following shared reading. It will also gather feedback about the materials’ usability and their potential to support engagement.

Materials used in the study

Participants will use the following resources together:

1. The AAC user’s established high-tech communication system

2. A designated storybook

3. A supplemental syntax communication board

4. A companion set of noun-referent images

The storybook, syntax board, and noun-referent images may be used as printed materials or presented on-screen as static, clinician-controlled displays, such as through PowerPoint.

These resources are intended to supplement—not replace—the AAC user’s established communication system.

Who may participate?

Potential participants may include:

• Speech-Language Pathologists

• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

• Paraeducators

• Other professionals or communication partners who support AAC users

Final eligibility requirements and participation instructions will be provided when enrollment opens.

What will participation involve?

Participants will be asked to:

• Use the study materials as directed

• Complete at least 4 storybook activities over a 6 month period

• Complete at least 4 surveys requiring a minimum of 15 minutes in conjunction with the 4 storybook activities

• Provide feedback about their preparedness and experience using the materials

Participants may also provide general, nonidentifying observations about engagement with the activities. Participants must not submit names, photographs, recordings, school or clinical-site information, or other details that could identify an AAC user, family, school, or clinical site.

Participant materials

There is no monetary compensation. Participants who complete the required study activities will receive:

• The materials used during both pilot-study iterations

• The finalized, expansive materials developed following the study (free of financial or further study obligation)

Pretzel Learning, 

Express your interest

The pilot study is expected to begin on March 1, 2027 and will close September 1, 2027.

Please complete the interest form (see below) by February 15, 2027, to receive study updates and information about eligibility and enrollment. 

pretzellearning.com/storybasedsyntaxstudy

Submitting the form below indicates interest only. It does not obligate you to participate and does not constitute enrollment or informed consent.

Questions? Contact Alison Smith, Clinical Product Director, alison@pretzellearning.com