This article proposes the use of a rehabilitative diagnostic approach to evaluate individuals having communication disorders in the context of the International Classification of Impairment, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH). It suggests the use of computer-assisted communication aids and offers guidelines for using such aids to assess…

This article describes how to use flowcharts in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs for students with disabilities. Types of flowcharts, basic flowchart symbols, and guidelines for drawing flowcharts are discussed. A case study illustrates how a flowchart was used to develop and display a behavior teaching plan for a nonvocal…

A survey of 1,184 speech language pathologists found that of 2,628 children (grades 1-12) who stuttered, 62.6% had other concurring speech disorders, language disorders, or non-speech-language disorders. Articulation disorders (33.5%) and phonology disorders (12.7%) were the most frequently reported. Males were more likely to exhibit co-occurring…

The second of two articles on play reviews the construct of play and its development in typically developing infants, toddlers, and young children. It considers developmental levels of play from early sensorimotor-exploratory to symbolic play involving the functional components of agent, instrument, and scheme. A developmentally based,…

This response to EC 633 617, an analysis of a purported case of facilitated communication, stresses the role of linguistic and grammatical analysis of texts attributed to a Finnish man diagnosed with mental retardation and cerebral palsy. It identifies weaknesses in the analysis, urges use of multi-theoretical approaches, and notes the benefits…

Part 1 of this paper recommends procedures and standards for the acoustic analysis of voice in individuals with dysarthria. In Part 2, acoustic data are reviewed for dysarthria associated with Parkinson disease (PD), cerebellar disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, unilateral hemispheric stroke, and essential tremor.…

This study reports the effectiveness of a three-pronged (segmentation, phonological neighbor cues, and rehearsal) phonologically based strategy designed to reduce word finding errors of two third-graders. Results indicated an improvement in word finding in single-word contexts that was generalized to sentences and maintained during follow-up.…

This article highlights the debut of a new three-digit number for access to all Telecommunication Relay Services. Under new federal rules, 711 dialing must be provided by all U.S. telecommunication carriers, including wireline, wireless, and payphone providers. In addition, carriers are required to publicize the availability of 711 access. (CR)

This fact sheet discusses the Speech to Speech (STS) free telephone service that provides communication assistants (CAs) for people who have difficulty being understood by the public on the telephone. Unlike telecommunications devices, STS enables people with speech disabilities who have difficulty typing to communicate by voice through CAs. (CR)

This study compared articulatory movements of 30 adolescents (12-16 years) and 30 young adults. Trajectory variability, especially lip trajectories, was higher for the adolescents. Adolescents also had significantly longer movement durations, lower velocities, smaller displacements, and greater variability on these measures than young adults. No…

The construction and use of an improvised eye-pointing communication device is described. It is suggested for temporary use to establish and enhance initial communication with communication-disabled clients in situations where no other augmentative communication system or assistive technology is yet available. (Author)

Major policy issues relating to children with communication disorders are discussed, along with recommendations for policy changes and a discussion of the barriers that impede progress. Three major issues are covered: provision of services by qualified personnel, caseload size, and availability of a continuum of services. (JDD)

Defines learning disabilities and delineates characteristics of learning disabled students. Outlines steps to be taken by college geography departments for students who enroll in introductory-level geography classes. (SLM)

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)

Examined were the communicative patterns of 9 youngsters, aged 6-20, with moderate or severe mental retardation and severe spoken language impairments who are not independent speakers. Findings are discussed with respect to the modes and functions of the youngsters' communications with conversational partners at home and school. (Author/JDD)