Student Clinical Research Paper Awards

The AAC Institute Student Clinical Research Paper Awards promote quality scientific research in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The awards emphasize the importance of AAC evidence-based practice, quantitative performance measurement, and outcomes measurement in accordance with the ASHA Scope of Practice (2001). Established in 2002, these awards were initially presented at the annual ASHA Convention and were based on presentation there. With the advent of the Clinical AAC Research Conference, the awards were presented there starting in 2008. The awards impact research in the field of AAC and speech-language pathology by encouraging high standards for student research activities.

Purpose:
The awards are intended to encourage students in speech-language pathology and related professions to address issues related to AAC evidence-based practice and submit papers for presentation at the annual CAAC Conference. The focus of this program is on the rigorous use of research and clinical methods that contribute performance data and outcome measures for the field.

Distinguishing Criteria:
Submissions are judged by the Conference Chair and selected members of the CAAC steering committee and others attending the conference. Papers are considered on the following criteria:
1) Acceptance as a regular conference paper.
2) Clear statement of hypothesis or research issues related to AAC evidence-based practice and/or performance data and outcomes measurement.
3) Preference to papers that involve individuals who rely on AAC systems for data collection.

Eligibility:
Any work substantially performed while an individual is a full- or part-time student in either an undergraduate or graduate academic program of speech-language pathology or related professions is eligible for the awards. A student applying for the awards must be listed as the first author and must have carried out a majority of the work presented in the paper. More than one paper can be submitted to the awards program but no student will receive more than one award per year.

Submission:
Papers for the Student Clinical Research Paper Awards are submitted as regular papers for the annual CAAC Conference. Students should submit their papers using the standard procedure available at www.aacinstitute.org/CAAC. Students wishing to be considered for this recognition must so note at the time of submission.

Deadline:
The deadline is the same as all submissions for the CAAC Call for Papers. There are NO exceptions.

Awards:
Up to two awards will be made each year on the basis of the scoring by the Review Committee under the supervision of the CAAC Conference Chair. The student first author of an awarded paper will receive an honorarium:

First place is $400,
Second place is $200.

Awards are presented at the conclusion of the annual CAAC Conference.

ALL AWARDS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE STUDENT PRESENTING AT THE CAAC CONFERENCE AND AGREEING TO HAVE THE PAPER POSTED AT THE AAC INSTITUTE WEBSITE.

2007 Awards

2006 Awards

2005 Awards

2004 Awards

2003 Awards

2002 Awards



Visit the RESNA website: The intent and procedures for this competition are based on the long history of the RESNA Student Scientific Paper Competition. Students interested in research in the fields of AAC and assistive technology are highly encouraged to learn about opportunities to submit papers to RESNA by visiting the RESNA website at www.resna.org.