Speech synthesis and speech recognition systems offer access to communication and information for students with communication disabilities, thus eliminating major historical barriers to learning for these students and allowing them to participate in the school environment. This guide describes two ways of producing speech synthesis: (1) by recording, analysis, storage, and play back of a human voice; and (2) by using a set of detailed pronunciation rules. Two types of speech recognition (isolated utterances and continuous speech) are also described. Examples of individuals with visual impairments, physical disabilities, and speech impairments illustrate applications of speech synthesis and speech recognition. The guide concludes with a list of communication aids and speech recognition systems, periodicals, organizational resources, and readings. (JDD)