A significant number of children with developmental disability lack speech and might therefore benefit from provision of a speech-generating device (SGD). However, the mere provision of a SGD device is often not sufficient to ensure effective use of such systems. Consequently, there is a need for research to develop effective procedures for teaching students with developmental disabilities to use SGDs for functional, academic, and social communication in the classroom.

This PhD scholarship would seek to recruit a PhD student to undertake applied intervention research. The research program would focus on developing effective procedures for teaching students with developmental disabilities to use SGDs for achieving a range of communicative outcomes in typical classroom settings.

The deadline for applications is 15 May, 2009. Application forms are available from
www.victoria.ac.nz/scholarships

Further information is available from the contacts below.

Application contact:

Philippa Hay
Scholarships Manager
Victoria University of Wellington
PO Box 600 Wellington
New Zealand
Telephone: +64-4-463 7493
Email: Philippa.hay@vuw.ac.nz