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…

Background: Efficient library searches for research evidence are critical to practitioners who wish to engage in evidence-based practice (EBP) as well as researchers who seek to develop systematic reviews. Aims: This review will propose the benefits of the search technique "Pearl Growing" ("Traditional Pearl Growing") as well…

Purpose: To examine the perception of synthetic speech by individuals with severe intellectual disabilities using a closed-response format task. Method: Participants were 14 individuals with severe intellectual disabilities and a group of 14 typical individuals. A between-groups design was used to compare the performance of the 2 groups on word…

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…

Thirty children (age 2) were assigned to three system approaches: vocabulary in a grid format organized taxonomically; vocabulary in a grid format organized schematically; and vocabulary in an integrated scene organized schematically. Children performed poorly in all conditions but were able to locate more items in the schematic scene condition.…

A 10-year old with severe intellectual disability, no spoken language, and poor language comprehension learned to use 9 object symbols when these were taught directly in a functional choice-making context. Difficulties with research methodology for this type of intervention are addressed. (Author/DB)

This article presents and explains the Preschool Checklist, a measure that incorporates research-based guidelines for developing preschool programs that include children with severe disabilities. The checklist assesses four areas: (1) scheduling and instructional arrangements; (2) socialization and communication; (3) alternative communication; and…

Six individuals (ages 10 to 44) with communication disorders who used augmentative and alternative communication were provided instruction on the acquisition, generalization, and long-term maintenance of partner-focused questions. Instruction used least-to-most prompting hierarchy in real-world interactions and simulations. All subjects learned…

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…