This article provides an overview of the importance of alternative and augmentative communication devices (ACDs) in the lives of individuals who do not rely on speech to meet all of their communication needs. Different types of ACDs are described and some specific examples of their use in different situations are presented. (Contains references.)…

This article describes an observational assessment procedure designed for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. The procedure is intended to link assessment with intervention by determining what supports and what compromises a child's performance, through a holistic team assessment involving a speech-language pathologist, motor specialist,…

This article discusses the growing population of students from diverse language backgrounds and the challenges the nation faces in attaining educational equity through the preparation of professionals to meet the educational needs of English-language learners with communication disorders. Skills and competencies needed by educators and…

Communication in English can be a barrier for second language learners since English serves both as a content subject and also as the means of instruction in classrooms. The issue is compounded when speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide services to students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) homes who may be suspected of a…

Few studies on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems have addressed the potential for such systems to impact word utterances in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an AAC system designed specifically to minimize difficulties with communication skills experienced by…

The Wernicke-Lichtheim-Geschwind (WLG) theory of the neurobiological basis of language is of great historical importance, and it continues to exert a substantial influence on most contemporary theories of language in spite of its widely recognized limitations. Here, we suggest that neurobiologically grounded computational models based on the WLG…

This book provides an overview of the causes and symptoms, and the typical courses, treatments, and outcomes of neurogenic communication disorders. Chapter 1 reviews the human nervous system and neurologic causes of adult communication disorders. Chapter 2 discusses the neurologic assessment and arriving at a diagnosis, including the neurologist's…

Three booklets offer guidelines for individuals with communication disorders and their families concerning: (1) alternate and augmentative communication (AAC); (2) manual communication (boards and displays); and (3) electronic communication devices. The first booklet considers the type of individual who can benefit from the use of AAC and what the…

This report describes the development of a community-based service for the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication strategies with regard to children with severe disabilities in South Africa. The intervention process was developed by the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication of the University of Pretoria. The…

This brief fact sheet addresses the following concerns about effective communication and accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): requirements under the ADA for achieving effective communication (e.g., provision of necessary auxiliary communication aids and services); identification of necessary communication aids and…

This practicum addressed the problem of high school students with speech and language impairments not receiving available support services because of under-identification of this population. A 3-month multiple channel public relations campaign was designed and implemented to train high school teachers in the identification and referral process.…

This paper presents a brief history of communication intervention and describes recent developments which have brought about shifts in intervention focus, perspectives, and strategies, especially with people having severe disabilities. In examining how communication is important to a good quality of life, the paper points out that the real point…

Symbol shelves are tools for developing two-way communication with multihandicapped children who can anticipate events, but who do not respond to speech or sign language. The purpose of symbol shelves is to allow children to be expressive through symbols, to enable them to feel some sense of control, and to serve as a bridge to a more formal…

This paper argues that the use of unrestricted natural language (UNL) interaction is essential in computer-assisted instruction aimed at teaching clinical decision making, and in interactive tests that emulate oral examinations. Knowledge about the scope and limitations of computerized UNL interaction gained during the development of the authoring…

This paper discusses ideas for teachers to increase successful comprehension of their questions by language delayed students. Three kinds of questioning techniques are described. Most often used by teachers are "WH-words" (e.g., who, what, how). Noun-verb reversal (e.g., Can you come to the group?) follows in amount of usage. The least used…