The study assessed the use of Blissymbols in the spoken and signed language development of 10 school-aged (mean age 11.5 years) children with developmental dysphasia of whom four also were mildly retarded. The students' expressive abilities in signed and spoken words were initially assessed before the Bliss teaching began, and then again after 1…

Examines the potential usefulness of various procedures employed to measure the adaptation in frequency rate of fluency failure, adaptation in temporal rate of speech, and automated analysis of on-off speech patterns in differentiating stuttering from cluttering. (SCC)

Described briefly are public education activities conducted by two speech and hearing facilities in the Midwest. (LS)

The paper describes the development of a computerized symbol processing system which allows nonspeaking severely handicapped persons to create communication electronically. Two pilot studies investigated the use of Rebus and Bliss Symbols with either an Apple Graphics Tablet or the Power Pad, a peripheral which allowed users to activate the…

The paper discusses the use of the Apple II computer as a learning tool for nonverbal handicapped children who use Blissymbols. Described are the following: the Blissapple Program, the Bliss Library (2 diskettes containing the full dictionary set), Drill Maker (which allows assembling symbols for various drills), Single Symbol Drill (to teach…

An examination of the word-finding problems and nonverbal communication in the conversations of three aphasic patients revealed three different patterns of communicative strategies and success in different kinds of activities, such as tests and conversation. One, with mainly a parietal lesion, hesitates often with turn-keeping gestures and stops…

The study examined three questions regarding severely physically and communicatively handicapped children: (1) who are involved in developing and disseminating microcomputer technology? (2) what innovations are being researched, developed, and implemented? and (3) how is microcomputer technology being implemented by educators, administrators, and…

The case study of a 78-year-old music composer who had had a stroke revealed that he had a severe reading disturbance, a well-preserved writing ability, and no appreciable aphasia. He continued to read music and to compose. His text and music reading performance under different conditions suggested that this unusual dissociation (alexia without…

Discussion of the impact of a severely communication disabled child on the family focuses on ways professionals can involve parents in their child's use of augmentative and alternative communication devices. Specific strategies presented include providing information, using a systems approach, creating support networks, and advocating teamwork.…

The study evaluated the feasibility of using two commonly available peripheral devices (Apple Graphics Tablet and Power Pad) and specially developed software to help 12 moderately and severely retarded individuals to use written communication (Rebus symbols). Students learned the symbol processing system and used it effectively for personal…

Investigated the concurrent validity of the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) with speech and language disordered preschool children. Used the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R), Preschool Language Scale-Revised (PLS-R), and Arizona Articulation Proficiency Scale-Revised (AAPS-R). Significant correlations were found for…

The article describes a model for teaching conversational skills to young communicatively handicapped children in the context of everyday activities in the preschool setting. Structured around initiation and participation strategies, intervention emphasizes the interaction of adult teaching and child learning strategies. (JW)

Several members of the emerging augmentative and alternative communication profession held a meeting at Purdue University in August 1987. Issues addressed included: public policy; documentation of the field; and such service provision issues as candidacy for service, communicative competency, focus of intervention, and intervention strategies.…

Literature is reviewed on augmentative and alternative communication research and intervention for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities. The review focuses on prerequisites for intervention, symbol systems and sets, computer technology, and teaching strategies. Future research directions are outlined, and clinical and educational…

Presents 11 library media activities designed to meet the needs of elementary school students with: (1) varying exceptionalities, i.e., mental and emotional handicaps, or severe learning disabilities; (2) communication disorders; or (3) hearing impairments. (MES)