Marthe Bilet-Mossige, L. Ulriksen, Kenneth Larsen, A. Nordahl-Hansen, Hugo Cogo-Moreira
tlooto Summary
The online training deployed in this trial will contribute to the field of special education by leveraging a powerful, research-driven quantitative approach and its adaptability to various settings facilitates the testing of its generalizability.
Abstract
BACKGROUND This cluster-randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an online video training platform versus in-person tutoring designed for teachers' to support the improvement of early reading skills for students with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
METHODS The reading development of children with intellectual disabilities using AAC will be evaluated and investigated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Schools will be randomly assigned to two groups. Teachers in the intervention group will be exposed to an online video training platform that provides tutoring on the reading intervention "Reading for all." Teachers in the control group will receive the same intervention through in-person tutoring.
DISCUSSION Many children with intellectual disabilities who use AAC face several barriers to acquiring literacy. Research describes low expectations and competence, as well as a lack of evidence-based reading programs designed to meet these needs. The generalizability of prior findings to different populations of children who use AAC is limited. Furthermore, few studies have examined the effectiveness of educator-delivered interventions in school settings. Video training allows teachers to flexibly initiate reading interventions across various times and locations, thereby reducing travel time and in-person tutoring. Moreover, its adaptability to various settings facilitates the testing of its generalizability. Online video training can provide a sustainable means of delivering interventions and provide ongoing access to interventions after the study period. The online training deployed in this trial will contribute to the field of special education by leveraging a powerful, research-driven quantitative approach.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT06766188 Registered September 2025, version 2.
Citation format
BILET-MOSSIGE, Marthe, et al. A cluster-rct deploying online video teacher training to improve reading skills in students with intellectual disabilities using augmentative and alternative communication: A study protocol. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 2026, 170: 105250.