There is no definitive recipe for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) success, but its universal ingredients can be found at home. The main ones are: (1) Understanding that all children need to express themselves, however outgoing or shy they may be; (2) Willingness to embrace the technology that may help your child regardless of your…

A question and answer format presents information for parents on electronic communication aids for children with severe speech impairments. (DB)

This digest uses a question-and-answer format to summarize basic information about the use of Cued Speech (a sound-based hand supplement to speechreading) with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Cued speech is briefly explained, noting its primary use with hearing families of young children who are deaf and in regular education classrooms…

Parents are provided with directions for making inexpensive mini-communication boards for children with expressive communication problems, and suggestions are provided for training the child in board use. Small pictures or objects selected to reflect the child's vocabulary needs are mounted on a simple board, allowing the child to express his…

The resource directory on augmentative/alternative communication resources lists 12 assistive technology resources, 13 assistive technology data sources, 45 resources offering assistance on communication aids, and 91 sources of electronic and nonelectronic communication aids. (DB)

This annotated bibliography on the use of facilitated communication with people unable to express themselves was developed as part of a statewide training and technical assistance project in Maine. The 75 citations are listed alphabetically by author and date from 1986 through 1993. The items listed report on the use of facilitated communication…

The mother of a young head injured nonverbal child describes ways used to increase the child's communicative ability including gestures, sign language, and communication boards. (DB)

The manual presents information on providing services to children with communication disorders in New York state. An initial chapter distinguishes educational handicaps from communication disorders and speech impairments. A section on general education speech and language remediation considers the teacher's role and school-based identification and…

The manual describes a workshop designed to provide parents of normal and hearing or language impaired young children with information on helping their child's communication development. The workshop series is presented in four sessions intended for 2 hours at a time. Preparation procedures are outlined along with facilitating factors. Curriculum…

The parents of a wheelchair-bound nine-year-old child with cerebral palsy and little speech or communication ability describe the role of electronic technology in improving the child's life in the areas of mobility, communication, and education. (DB)

These eight brochures for parents provide practical information and suggestions regarding various aspects of managing a child with a brain injury. The brochures are: (1) "Back to School after a Mild Brain Injury or Concussion," which covers helping the student in the classroom and changes that occur in school and knowing when extra help is needed…

The article for parents and teachers of nonverbal children describes information sources identified by the Center for Special Education Technology including general print information as well as information on school and community services, technology use with specific disabilities, software and hardware, assistive devices, and funding sources. (DB)

This booklet introduces voice output communication aids (VOCAs) used by individuals with communication disabilities. It is designed to give a "nuts and bolts" description of how and when to use a VOCA, especially in the classroom, and what to expect. Part 1 discusses the essential "people" factors in VOCA use--the educational…

Nationwide, there are some 1,055,000 young people under the age of 18 who have hearing loss according to statistics from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (http://www.nidcd.nih.gov). Reported rates of psychiatric disorders for children who have hearing loss range from 15.4% to 54% (Hindley, 1997). Selected…

Severely physically disabled children may need special communication techniques or aids to help them in conversation/interaction and writing. An individual with speech problems may need an augmentative communication system, and selection of the right system, whether non-electronic or electronic, can be a complex process. To assist in the task of…