Creating Enriched Learning Experiences for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities:

The goal of this Coleman Institute sponsored work is to investigate the potential of a new generation of computer-based learning tools to benefit the lives of individuals with cognitive disabilities. Interactive Books are the specific focus of this project. This software tool allows children to interact with an animated character in a variety of ways while reading a book on the computer screen. Interactive books offer a powerful tool for teaching individuals with cognitive disabilities new knowledge and skills, as preliminary work has shown positive results in a group of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The current project first seeks to further expand and develop the Interactive Book software for individuals with cognitive disabilities. In the subsequent participatory research phase, a group of teachers, students, and researchers will test the effectiveness of Interactive Books in a classroom setting involving children with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.