LCAI: Exploring the potential of an independently usable, internet-based multimedia software system for self-Paced assessment, instruction and practice in listening comprehension skills for non readers

Data from the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) indicates that 4-6% of adults in the US have insufficient reading skills to attempt participation in NAAL s literacy assessment in 1992 (Literacy in the Labor Force, p. 310-320). While there are approximately 8 million individuals with intellectual disabilities (e.g., mental retardation) in the US, there is no data specific to the subset of this population whose cognitive limitations prohibit the acquisition of functional reading skills. For these students and adults, absence of reading skills in our largely text-based society puts substantial emphasis on development of listening comprehension/auditory recall skills as primary for independent functioning in community environments (e.g., school, work, social activities). Current tools and methods for assessing and instructing listening skills involve a facilitated process with a high implementation cost associated with one-to-one facilitator/student ratios and therefore do not afford much opportunity for independent practice. To address these issues, this project proposes development and evaluation of an internet-based multimedia Listening Comprehension Assessment and Instruction (LCAI) system that is independently usable by individuals whose intellectual or other cognitive disabilities have prohibited the acquisition of functional reading skills. The system will also include features to allow caregivers to integrate individually relevant content into the training system.