Nonvocal alert patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting often struggle to communicate due to inaccessible or unavailable tools for augmentative and alternative communication. Innovation of a hand-operated non-touchscreen communication system for nonvocal ICU patients was guided by design concepts including speech output, simplicity, and…

Auditory-based communication skills are developed at a young age and are maintained throughout our lives. However, some individuals--both young and old--encounter difficulties in achieving or maintaining communication proficiency. Biological signals arising from hearing sounds relate to real-life communication skills such as listening to speech in…

The article analyzes software for assessing language, noting advantages and disadvantages of such programs as Computerized Language Sample Analysis and Lingquest 1 Language Sample Analysis. In addition, software for assessing phonetic and phonological performance is also considered. (CL)

Commercially available software is described that can help manage information in speech and hearing clinics. Applications addressed include word processing, database management, columnar analysis, integrated programs, specialized information management programs, and networks. (CL)

This paper describes the prototype of a software package being developed in England for use as an inexpensive and flexible speech synthesizer. The system, which uses a standard IBM-compatible laptop computer, color graphics, and a hard disk drive, provides flexibility in changing the nature of the speech available and how it is organized. (JDD)

This brief paper describes automated language activity monitoring (LAM), an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methodology for the collection, editing, and analysis of language data in structured or natural situations with people who have severe communication disorders. The LAM function records each language event (letters, words,…

The COMPIC Development Association, an organization based in Victoria, Australia, has developed techniques for publishing pictographic materials for use by individuals with severe communication impairments. The COMPIC (Computer Pictographs for Communication) system comprises a method of electronically publishing customized communication aids and…

Because of the diversity of clients served by speech-language pathologists and audiologists, available commercial software may not meet all needs. Authoring programs allow the clinician to design software that can be customized for individual clients. This article describes an authoring program called HyperCard and its use in preparing hypermedia…

Describes a form of adaptive communication, referred to as single switch technology, as a method for assessing and developing mathematics skills of speech and motor disabled students. Provides a BASIC program to illustrate a basic single switch mathematics program. (MDH)

The use of microcomputer-assisted therapy as part of the total rehabilitation plan for brain-injured individuals with cognitive-communicative impairments is addressed. Design of effective computer-assisted remediation requires a careful decision-making process. Specific types of software are suggested for dealing with deficits in organization,…

This column describes British technological aids that can support children with communication and writing difficulties, including (1) writing aids such as predictive typing, abbreviation expansion systems, and alternative keyboards; and (2) socially interactive communication aids such as synthetic speech using portable computers. (JDD)