This paper presents an overview of family and cultural issues relevant to planning for assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. The potential for interactive multimedia in helping teams and families make AT decisions is reviewed. It describes a newly available interactive CD-ROM designed to provide basic information for…

This study evaluated the use of facilitated communication (FC) paired with a direct instructional strategy to improve the basic academic skills of 12 youths and young adults with autism. Results did not support use of FC as an educational tool, with subjects averaging below-chance performance in FC and both control conditions. (DB)

The word-learning ability of 12 school-age subjects with moderate or severe mental retardation was assessed. Subjects used the System for Augmenting Language with visual-graphic symbols for communication. Ability to fast map novel symbols was found to relate to symbol achievement status. Implications for vocabulary acquisition by youth with mental…

This article reviews research on the role of symbolic, referent, and instructional variables on the acquisition of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) symbols by individuals with autism and severe speech and language impairments. Two vignettes illustrate findings of the review. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Case studies are an accepted method for reporting treatment outcomes. However, to be useful and authentic, a systematic and principled approach to collecting, analyzing, and reporting case data must be observed. This paper proposes a basic case study format for documenting augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention to ensure…

This study provided an in-depth view of augmentative and alternative (AAC) team member's perceptions of AAC device use with older students. Six special education teachers and one speech-language pathologist (SLP) who worked as members of an AAC team were interviewed to determine their perceptions of AAC use in junior high and high school settings.…

This thesis investigated the effects of adding the learning of American Sign Language (ASL) signs (as part of the Applied Behavior Analysis) on the negative behaviors of seven developmentally disabled children (aged 8-13 years). The children were measured on the following: overall disruptive behavior; aggressive behavior; tantrums; and the use of…

This study investigated the validity of using facilitated communication with individuals with autism (n=6) or profound cognitive impairments (n=6) on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) when facilitators were screened from visual and auditory stimuli. Results do not validate the use of facilitated communication with the PPVT-R or…

Contrasting Euro-American and Asian values are examined with particular emphasis on differences exhibited by these families with regard to perspectives on disability, health care, family life, and education/intervention; communication styles; and reactions to augmentative and alternative communication needs. Specific suggestions for practitioners…

Addresses the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations that followed it to provide clear guidance to persons with disabilities regarding their rights for inclusion in the mainstream of society, and specifically, their rights to share their talents as related to all types of group work. (LKS)

Supports the important work of group counselors by focusing on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in nondisability specific groups and addressing disability myths, disability etiquette, architectural accessibility, and group process issues. (LKS)

This case study examines the effects of a systematic functional communication training program on the self-injurious behaviors of an 8-year-old girl who is blind and has severe disabilities. The girl was offered choices among preferred activities and learned to use a communication board. Self-injurious behaviors decreased. (Author/SW)

Focus groups of family members of children with disabilities discussed augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practices within a Mexican American community. Among seven perspectives identified are: (1) children understand nonverbal communication in the home; (2) aided techniques are useful outside of the home; (3) families have great…

This study of an adolescent with multiple disabilities, including moderate mental retardation, who was reported to engage in validated facilitated communication (FC) found he did not engage in validated FC; performance was equivalent whether food or nonfood reinforcers were used; and the Picture Exchange Communication System was a valid and…

This article discusses "Adapting Schools To Meet the Needs of Students with Disabilities" (John Woodward and Larry Cuban), a publication on the implementation of technology to meet the needs of students with disabilities. It summarizes chapters that address augmentative and alternative communication, integrating technology into the curriculum, and…