This paper uses a case study of the inclusion of a deaf-blind child with cognitive disabilities to explain principles of applying assistive technology in inclusive educational settings. The 12-year-old's progress from a special school four years previously to full inclusion is recounted with emphasis on use of such adaptive equipment as adapted…

This paper describes the development of a new technique for augmentative and alternative communication text input, commercially known as T9. T9 stands for "typing with 9 keys." The basic T9 technology is designed so that 3 or 4 letters are printed on each of 7 keys, and an 8th key is used as an unambiguous "space" key. Each keystroke designating a…

Claims that school psychologists will increasingly be called upon to help select electronic augmentative and alternative communication devices in developing individual education plans for special needs children. Reviews assessment factors which must be considered and provides a self-checklist to help school psychologists develop and conduct…

Three children (ages 3-4) with disabilities were successfully taught functional communication behaviors using select augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Acquisition of AAC behaviors resulted from an intervention strategy that included creating communicative opportunities, providing a peer or teacher model of the behavior,…

This article reviews evidence regarding the role of speech-generating devices (SGDs) and talking word processing software in supporting independent spelling in children with autism. Two studies support the importance of assessing the relative benefits of feedback modes for individual learners with autism rather than assuming SGDs should supply…

This study of four students (ages 10-13) with mental retardation evaluated a combination audio/visual self-prompting system with an electronic, augmentative communication device that uses picture overlays and recorded speech to increase independent task completion. Results indicated a substantial difference in performance when the self-prompting…

This article explores how use or nonuse of augmentative and alternative communication can be affected by the ongoing development and interaction of a child's identity through various cultural milieu. It examines the student's role in the selection and use of devices and the effects of family, school, and community. (Contains references.) (CR)

This position statement by the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities addresses access to communication services. It states that eligibility for communication services should be based on individual needs and argues that eligibility determination based on a priori criteria violate recommended…

In the first of 2 studies, 7 subjects with severe mental retardation (ages 6-20) using augmentative communication produced untaught symbol combinations resembling those of young speaking language learners. The second study found that modeled combinations did not resemble the subjects' productions, suggesting the augmented communicators used…

The communication skills of 13 youth with moderate or severe mental retardation were compared while they communicated with a "standard partner" with and without access to their augmented communication devices. With the devices, subjects communicated more information, more clearly, and more specifically than without the devices. (DB)

This study examined the context and interaction variables associated with communication reciprocity with five adolescents with physical and/or cognitive disabilities using augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) systems and their nondisabled peers. Clusters of context/interaction patterns related to more balanced communication were…

This study attempted to increase the quantity of social interaction with peers in classroom settings between children (aged 5 to 9 years) with cerebral palsy who were using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The multifaceted 15-week intervention was directed at communication partners and was found effective in increasing…

This article discusses the risks involved for speech-pathologists in making choices about controversial practices and offers a clinical practice framework for gathering information about controversial approaches and for implementing and motioning their use. The framework is illustrated using facilitated communication as an example of a…

A review of the literature examines three emerging trends related to the impact of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children with disabilities: (1) the prescription of appropriate AAC devices; (2) implementation of AAC across multiple contexts; and (3) maintenance of AAC use and anticipation of transition needs. The importance…

A study investigated whether the use of assistive technology would assist in the ability to identify symbols by three girls (ages 8-10) with Rett syndrome. Individualized multimedia programs resulted in a steady learning curve across symbol sets and a partial retention of knowledge throughout maintenance probes. (Contains references.) (CR)