Beginning augmentative communication systems

To be unable to produce communicative behavior that can be understood by others represents one of the most frustrating experiences imaginable. Communicating through a communication board or with gestures lessens this frustration but does not eliminate it. Since 1975, remarkable advances have been made in our ability to provide augmentative and alternative communication services to persons for whom speech is not a viable alternative. This chapter highlights that progress and identifies issues that require further empirical scrutiny. Causes and effects in communication and lanugage intervention, Eds. Steven F. Warren and Joe Reichle (c) 1992, Paul H Brooks Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore, Chapter 6, p. 131-156 by Joe Reichle, Pat Mirenda, Peggy Locke, Laura Piche, & Susan Johnston. Posted by permission.