Alternative Communication Strategies for People with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

It is generally agreed that many people who are unable to use speech to communicative effectively should be provided with an alternative communication system. In the past, these systems have been most often recommended for people with hearing impairments or physical disabilities, but more recently interest in their applicability to people with intellectual disabilities has grown. This article examines the need for communication programs for people with intellectual disabilities, the extent to which these people are able to learn to use alternative communication systems and apply them in everyday settings, the adequacy of current levels of communication program services and directions for future research.