Elena Dukhovny, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Faculty Profile

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Elena  Dukhovny, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Associate Professor

Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences

My primary research interest lies in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Knowledgeable communication partners are crucial to the success of individuals who use speech-generating devices (SGDs) to communicate. Therefore, my recent research has focused on developing effective support systems for para-educators and caregivers of SGD users.  Previously, I have also researched the effects of interface design on procedural learning and therefore on fluency of language production via speech-generating devices (SGDs). 

Prior to coming to CSUEB, I worked as a speech-language pathologist and technology consultant, with a focus on children with severe-profound communicative disorders. I am certified in a variety of intervention programs and strategies, including Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (Center for AAC and Autism) and It Takes Two to Talk (a Hanen Program). 

  • Ph.D., UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University
  • M.A., Northwestern University
  • B.A., UC Berkeley

Not teaching this semester.

Kashinath, S., Dukhovny, E., & Polit, P. (2021). Effects of a Coaching Intervention on Paraeducator Use of Aided Language Modeling in Classroom Settings: A Pilot Investigation. Communication Disorders Quarterly. 

Dukhovny, E, Thistle, J (2017) An exploration of motor learning concepts relevant to use of speech-generating devices. Assistive Technology 13:1-7

Edwards, J., Dukhovny, E (2017) Technology Training in Speech-Language Pathology: A Focus on Tablets and Apps. ASHA SIG 10, Perspectives on Issues in Higher Education 2(1), 33-43

Dukhovny, E., Zhou, Y. (2016) Effects of icon size and location on speed and accuracy of SGD access. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 32(4), 241-248

Dukhovny, E., Kelly, E. (2015) Practical Resources for Provision of Services to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Users of AAC. SIG 14, Perspectives on Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations 22(1), 25-39

Dukhovny, E., Gahl, S. (2014) Manual motor-plan similarity affects lexical recall on a speech-generating device: Implications for AAC users. Journal of Communication Disorders 48, 52-60

Dukhovny, E., Soto, G. (2013) Speech Generating Devices and Modality of Short-term Word Storage. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 29 (3), 246-58

Soto, G., Dukhovny, E. (2008) The effect of shared book reading on the acquisition of expressive vocabulary of a 7 year old who uses AAC. Seminars in Speech and Language 29(2), 133-145

Soto, G. in collaboration with Dukhovny, E. and Vestli, T. (2006). Supporting Storybook Reading Participation for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems. In L. Justice, (Ed.) Clinical Approaches to Emergent Literacy Intervention (pp. 295-323). San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing, Inc.

Dukhovny, E. (2021) ConversAACion: Setting up a Virtual AAC Conversation Group. Seminar presented at the California Speech, Language and Hearing Association (CSHA) Convention (virtual)

Dukhovny, E., Kashinath, S., Polit, P. & McNeill, C. (2019) The effects of coaching on aided language production by para-educators and their students who use AAC in the classroom. Seminar presented at the Clinical Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC) Conference, Washington, DC.

 Kashinath, S. & Dukhovny, E (2019) Coaching para-educators to support children who use AAC in classroom settings. Seminar presented at the International Association for Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) Conference, Taipei, Taiwan

 Dukhovny, E. & Kashinath, S. (2018) Coaching Communication Partners to Support Students Who Use AAC in Classroom Settings. Seminar presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Boston, CA

Krajcin, A. & Dukhovny, E (10/20/2018) Practical Strategies for Clinical Supervision. Continuing Education Workshop presented at CSU East Bay (satisfies 0.3 units Continuing Education)

Dukhovny, E (11/29/2017) Assessment and Alternative Service and Support Models for Students with Complex Communication Needs and Encouraging Students to Utilize Augmentative Communication Systems in Natural Environments. Continuing Education Workshops, presented at San Francisco Unified School District  

Dukhovny, E. & Thistle, J. (2016)  Procedural Learning in Aided Augmentative & Alternative Communication: Theoretical Background, Practical Applications & Research Directions Seminar presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Philadelphia, PA

 Meneses, M., Reyes, C., Siobal, K & Dukhovny, E. (2016) Effects of Stability of Icon Location on SGD-Based Labeling in Typical Children Seminar presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Philadelphia, PA

Dukhovny, E. (2015) Effect of Size-Centered vs. Location-Centered Grid Design on Aided AAC Productions. Poster presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Denver, CO

Edwards, J. & Dukhovny, E. (2015) Assessing How Speech-Language Pathology Students Use Clinical Education Technology. Poster presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Denver, CO

Dukhovny, E. (2014) Beyond the device: AAC implementation and generalization. Workshop presented for speech-language pathologists at CSU East Bay

Dukhovny, E., Prinz, B., Lawrence, K (2014) Single-Message Voice Output Devices: Factors to Consider When Choosing the Message. Poster presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Orlando, FL

Dukhovny, E (2014) Effects of automaticity in SGD use on lexical representations. Poster presented at the Symposium for Research in Child Language Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Dukhovny, E. (2012) Effect of Speech Generating Device on Modality of Short Term Word Storage. Poster presented at the biennial conference of the International Society for Alternative and Augmentative Communication (ISAAC), Pittsburgh, PA

Dukhovny, E. (2012) The role of an assistive technology demonstration center in early intervention. Poster presented at the annual California Speech, Language and Hearing Association (CSHA) Convention, San Jose, CA

Dukhovny, E. & Soto, G. (2010) Phonological Encoding in Aided Augmentative & Alternative Communication. Seminar presented at the annual American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Philadelphia, PA

Dukhovny, E. (2010) Aided language production and phonological encoding. Seminar presented at the biennial conference of the International Society for Alternative and Augmentative Communication (ISAAC), Barcelona, Spain

Dukhovny, E. & Kemper, T. (2021-2026) LISTEN with AAC (Learning Interdisciplinary Strategies to Teach and ENgage with AAC) Funded by the U.S. Department of Education (84.325K)

Kashinath, S. & Dukhovny, E. Training communication partners to support AAC use in naturalistic settings. Funded by Disability Communication Fund, 2018

Editor, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups (SIG) 10, Issues in Higher Education (2022-2023)

Graduate Coordinator (2014 – current), Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, CSUEB