Early communication refers to the exchange of information without using language or symbols (also called nonsymbolic). Many children and youth with severe and multiple disabilities do not use conventional symbolic systems to communicate with others. Instead these individuals rely on their own bodies and current contexts to communicate. These expressions may include facial expressions, body movements, gazing, gesturing, and touching. It is essential that communication partners be responsive to and strive to expand the existing communication abilities of the individual. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to multiple interventions for individuals with severe communication disorders in attempts to compensate for their impairment. Components of AAC systems include; symbols, aids (such as computers, electronic devices, or a communication book), strategies, and techniques.

Web Links

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center--This site provides information about the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center at UN-L. It also provides many links related to AAC including educational opportunities, terminology, and links to other resources and web sites.

Speech and Language Disorders--This site provides a library of information and resources on the Internet relevant to speech language disorders. Augmentative communication is one topic within this extensive index.

National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP) -- NCIP was funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Special Education Program to promote the effective use of technology to enhance outcomes for students with sensory, cognitive, physical, and social/emotional disabilities.  NICP's website is full of great information!  NCIP Library section provides a collection of resources about technology and special education; Video Profile section provides videos of students using assistive and instructional technologies; NCIP Guided Tours section explores two exemplary early childhood classrooms; and links of NCIP provides wide variety of links related to various disabilities.

Teaching Research Child Development Center at Western Oregon University--Information regarding programs and research for early childhood and preschool integration. Includes a list of texts for assessment of persons with severe disabilities and assessment of AAC and communication needs.

Ablenet-This is a very resourceful site for parents, teachers, and other professionals working with students who either utilize or rely on assistive technology to maximize their learning potential. This on-line catalog provides creative products and ideas to help address real life challenges both in and out of the classroom with innovative easy-to-implement technology and ideas. This site also offers suggestions and specific examples of how to implement assistive technology into daily activities.

PALAESTRA-PALAESTRA is an on-line magazine designed to enlighten parents and professionals in all aspects of physical activity, to increase the knowledge base of professionals working with children or adults with disabilities, and to provide other professionals with information regarding the physical wellness of students with severe disabilities.

Activity ideas for students-This issue of PALEASTRA features activity ideas for students wit severe disabilities. The purpose of this article is to suggest some basic ideas and adaptations for teaching students with severe disabilities. This article was constructed into units and the topics include: Cause and Effect, Ball Play, Group Activities, Music, and Locomotor Movements. Other articles included in this issue include: Effects of Exercise on respiration in children with cerebral palsy, The Driver with Disabilities-Free Wheeling-Part V, The XVIII Word Games for the Deaf: A Musical Paradox, and Springfield College Plays Host to Two Summer National Championship.

Adaptive Equipment & Technology

Hardware & Software Computer Aids-- Internet Resources for Special Children (IRSC) provides lists of very useful information on the computer aids to help and empower people with disabilities to access to new technology.  This site provides good information for both people with general disabilities and people with specific speech and language problems.

Assistive Technology On-Line Home Page - This is the homepage for the Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories at duPont Hospital for Children and the University of Delaware.  There are links to the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative and other sites on AAC.

Assistive Technology Partnership - The Assistive Technology Partnership has been helping Nebraskan's with disabilities obtain assistive technology devices and services since 1998. Information, training, peer volunteers and demonstration centers have increased awareness about the benefits of assistive technology and how it can be utilized at home, school and work.

The Assistive Technology Partnership provides information on locating devices and funding from assistive technology and home modifications and assists persons with disabilities in the areas of employment, independent living, education and housing. (888) 806-6287.

Nebraska Educational Assistive Technology -Mission: The goal of Nebraska Educational Assistive Technology (NEAT) is to strengthen children's access to appropriate assistive technologies for learning and life.

Purpose: To provide an assistive technology service delivery model that will support the implementation of assistive technology for youth with disabilities in Nebraska. NEAT is a statewide service to provide technical assistance, training, resources (including assistive devices for trial use and demonstration), and funding coordination for the use of assistive technology devices and services by youth with disabilities, birth to age 21. Services are available to educators, agencies, youth, and their parents.

Equipment Loan Bank - Loans are available to Nebraskans with disabilities, their family members or caregivers, school personnel, related service providers, and others who are addressing assistive technology needs of persons with disabilities.

Contact Patti Neill at NEAT to request a loan of assistive technology eqiupment or materials. Call (800) 652-0033 or e-mail: pneill@esu10.org http://www.neatinfo.net/links.html

Books/Book Chapters

Beukelman, D. & Mirenda, P. (1998). Augmentative and alternative communication: management of severe communication disorders in children and adults (Second Edition).   Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Provides theory and intervention techniques through a thorough examination of AAC strategies. It is intended for all professionals and parents involved in implementation of augmentative and alternative communication throughout the lifespan of individuals with congenital or acquired communication disorders. Chapters relevant to the area of severe disabilities include Serving Young Children with AAC Needs, Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Persons with Autism, and Persons with Visual and Dual Sensory Impairments.

Calculator, S.N.,& Jorgensen, C.M. (Eds.) (1994). Including students with severe disabilities in schools: Fostering communication, interaction and participation.San Diego: Singular Publishing Co.

Provides teachers, parents, speech/language pathologists, and school psychologists with ideas for teaching communication and other skills to students with severe disabilities in regular classrooms and related settings.

Downing, J. E. (1999). Teaching communication skills to students with severe disabilities. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

This book provides a practical resource that can guide the reader to provide state-of-the-art interventions. Focus is on learners who have severe disabilities and programing within general education classrooms.

Falvey, M.A. (1996). Communication skills. In M. Falvey, (Ed.), Inclusive and heterogeneous schooling: Assessment, curriculum, and instruction. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

A review of issues and strategies related to the determination, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs designed to facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of communication behaviors in natural environments.

Johnson, J.M., Baumgart, D., Helmstetter, E., & Curry, C.A. (1996). Augmenting basic communication in natural contexts. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

This is a step-by-step guide for implementing appropriate communication systems for students with severe disabilities. It details the assessment process and helps in developing an individualized system through case studies and in-depth discussions.

Lovett, H. (1996). Learning to listen. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Through case studies and explanations, this book offers effective alternatives in communication and advice on working with the difficult behaviors of persons with intellectual or emotional disabilities.

McCormick, L., Loeb, D. F., & Schiefelbusch, R.L. (2003). Supporting children with communication difficulties in inclusive settings: School-based language intervention. (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

This updated edition provides practical guidelines for teaching and intervention arrangements in general education settings. The array of authors selected provides focus on many children who have communication intervention methods.

Silverman, F.H. (1995). Communication for the speechless. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Strategies and interventions for persons who do not speak or whose speech is inadequate are discussed. While this book discusses persons with a range of abilities, there is useful information related to severe disabilities and severe communication disorders, such as gestural strategies and augmentative communication.

Wetherby, A.M., Warren, S.F., & Riechle, J. (1998). Transitions in prelinguistic communication. (vol 7). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

Journals/Newsletters

Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Decker Periodicals, P.O. Box 785, Lewiston, NY 14092-0785. Annual Rates: Individual: $85; Institution: $133; In-training: $53. (800) 568-7281.

Vendor Information

Direct questions or comments: to Dr. Ellin Siegel esiegel1@unl.edu