Melinda Jones Ault is professor and Acting Chair of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. She has 38 years of experience researching and teaching at the college level. Her area of expertise is using evidence-based practices to meet the needs of individuals with extensive support and complex communication needs. She has authored or co-authored 69 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored textbook of systematic instructional practices, and recently co-edited a book on high leverage practices for learners with extensive support needs. Her research focuses on using systematic instruction to teach new skills to learners with disabilities, communication of learners with severe disabilities, education in rural regions, and participation and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their faith communities.

Research categories: Special Education, Technology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Severe Disabilities, Complex Communication Needs