Introduction to the Special Issue on Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract

This special issue of the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities focuses on implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) intervention for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. AAC refers to a range of non-speech methods of communication, including gestures, manual signs, pictureor symbol-based communication systems, and computer-based speech-generating devices. AAC is used to augment unintelligible speech and provide an alternative when speech and language development is significantly delayed or severely impaired. AAC is a relevant topic for the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities because many individuals with developmental and physical disabilities present with severe communication impairment and complex communication needs. The nature of their severe communication impairment ranges from highly unintelligible speech to the complete absence of speech. This range of impairment makes implementing communication assessment and intervention extremely difficult and often unsuccessful. New and more effective assessment and intervention strategies are needed because without good communication skills these individuals will be at a severe disadvantage. To reduce this disadvantage and improve their overall quality of life, individuals with developmental and physical disabilities must be enabled to communicate effectively and appropriately. For many such individuals, AAC is likely to be their only real option for enabling effective and appropriate communication. J Dev Phys Disabil (2010) 22:101–104 DOI 10.1007/s10882-010-9197-x