Vocabulary selection: a case report

Abstract

In this article, the process of vocabulary selection is described for a nonreading, severely physically disabled adult for whom an initial expressive communication approach was being developed. The process included use of environmental inventories, communication diaries, and review of standard vocabulary lists as a means of message selection. A comparison of this user's vocabulary list with 11 standard vocabulary lists indicated that even the largest of these vocabulary lists do not contain all the words considered important by the user. Thus, review of standard vocabulary lists may be considered a necessary but not sufficient aspect of vocabulary selection.

• aided communication
• augmentative and alternative communication
• communication boards
• dysarthria
• speech disorders
• vocabulary