A study examined whether Talking Mats, a light-technology augmentative framework, could be used successfully with 12 young adults with a learning and communication disability. Participants were able to indicate likes and dislikes and express views about the choices available to them. Some expressed opinions not previously known to their carers.…

This technical report was developed to provide support for a position statement by the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities that addresses access to communication services. It argues that eligibility policies and practices often preclude individuals from access to needed communication services.…

A 6-year-old child's oral and spelled utterances were compared over a 3-month period as he was trained to use facilitated communication (FC). The child's language with FC was significantly better than his oral language. Evidence that he was authoring his own messages included his eventual ability to type messages without physical support.…

Discusses the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to enhance comprehension and expression of people with autism. A theoretical model for AAC assessment and intervention is presented and illustrated with a case study of a 6-year-old boy with autism and severe expressive and receptive language impairments. (Author/DB)

Presents a culturally sensitive four-part augmentative and alternative communication assessment protocol. The protocol is inclusive, emphasizing the need to address cultural features directly, and it includes a self-assessment for all practitioners before they engage in the delivery of services to children from different cultural backgrounds.…

Investigated the effects of a peer network strategy on the duration of social interaction and social communication skills for three elementary students with autism. Results indicate increased social interaction time and use of an augmentative communication system for all three students, with increased expressive language for two students.…

Effects of synthetic speech output on the learning of graphic symbols by three adults with severe to profound mental retardation and communication impairments were evaluated. All participants achieved criterion learning using synthetic speech; two also reached criterion without synthetic speech, but the addition of synthetic speech resulted in…

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of three variables (type of augmentative technique used to communicate, disability label, and user competence in communicating with an augmentative technique) on the attitudes of 289 preservice speech pathologists. Findings indicate that user components influenced cognitive evaluations, but…

This review of the literature synthesizes theory and research on the use of speech output communication aids to determine potential benefits for persons with autism. Although results suggest such aids are likely to be useful with this population, the paper urges research into the characteristics of synthetic speech in conjunction with the learning…

Although the Minspeak[TM] approach is used on communication devices worldwide, little research has been conducted on its applicability within specific cultural contexts. The impact that users' familiarity of symbols and associations can have on learnability necessitates more systematic research. This study was an investigation into the…

I investigated the presence, utility, and emergence of tacit knowledge in 9 study participants who used assistive-augmentative technology. I conducted phenomenologic interviews, audio-taping, and transcribed the interview with the written consent of the participants. Sixteen highly trained experts critiqued the final product of the interviews and…

This authoritative handbook reviews the breadth of current knowledge about developmental disabilities: neuroscientific and genetic foundations; the impact on health, learning, and behavior; and effective educational and clinical practices. Leading authorities analyze what works in intervening with diverse children and families, from infancy…

Many young children have speech or language disorders or delays that require the coordinated services of a preschool intervention team. Young children with delayed talking skills benefit when their parents and their preschool teachers collaborate to include assistive technology in home and preschool routines. Assistive technology for communication…

Designed for teaching the related services staff, residential care providers, and families of individuals with severe hearing and vision impairments, this booklet explains the issues related to developing a communication system using textures. The texture symbols described are intended for use by individuals with dual sensory and multiple…

Describes recent advancements in augmentative and alternative communication aids for individuals with disabilities, explaining what speech recognition and speech output devices are, defining communication aids, examining features of communication aids, and describing various dedicated (strictly for communication) and nondedicated (computers with…