Thirty-eight institutionalized severely and profoundly retarded blind students (11 to 26 years old) were given a 100-session taped treatment program to increase vocal utterances both qualitatively and quantitatively. Ss made significant gains in quantity of utterances as reflected in a median test. (A categorization schema for quality of preverbal utterances is presented.) Tactual reinforcement was found to be highly effective for this population. Classroom staff increased their sensitivity and powers of observation with respect to students' vocal expression and realized that they could be effective in promoting expressive vocal language. (Author/SBH)