Student Research Paper Award

Sponsored by AAC Institute

The AAC Institute Student CAAC Research Paper Awards promote quality clinical 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. Established in 2008, these awards impact research in the field of AAC by encouraging high standards for student clinical research activities.

Purpose:
The awards are intended to encourage graduate students to address issues related to AAC evidence-based practice and submit papers for platform or poster presentations at the annual CAAC Research Conference. The focus of this program is on the rigorous use of research and clinical methods that contribute performance and outcomes data for the field.

Distinguishing Criteria:
Submissions are judged by a member of the Steering Committee designated as coordinator of the review and two (2) other anonymous reviewers. Proposals are considered on the following criteria:
1. Acceptance as a regular conference platform or poster presentation.
2. Quality of the research including a clear statement of hypotheses or research issues related to AAC evidence-based practice and/or performance data and outcomes measurement.
3. Organization of the oral/visual presentation and ability to respond to questions posed by the audience.
4. When all other criteria are equal among presentations, preference will be given to research involving individuals who rely on AAC.

Eligibility:
Any work substantially performed while an individual is a full- or part-time student in a graduate academic program 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 clinical paper awards program but no student will receive more than one award per year.

Submission:
Papers for the AAC Institute Student Research Paper Awards are submitted as regular proposals for the annual CAAC Research Conference. Students should submit their papers following the author instructions available at http://www.aacinstitute.org/CAAC. Students wishing to be considered for this recognition must indicate at the time of submission by the subject: CAAC Student Paper.

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

Awards:
Up to two awards will be made each year on the basis of the scoring by the reviewers. The student first author of an awarded paper will receive a certificate of recognition and an honorarium:
— First place is $400
— Second place is $200

Awards are presented during the closing conference.

ALL AWARDS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE STUDENT PRESENTING THE PAPER AT THE CAAC RESEARCH CONFERENCE AND AGREEING TO HAVE THE PAPER AND PRESENTATION, AND POSTER IF APPROPRIATE, POSTED AT THE WEBSITE.