Introduction

Everyone Communicates

Behavior as communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communications

Supporting communication

 

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Communication

Printable version of the entire Communication Unit

Many of us take for granted how important our communication is when functioning in our homes, schools, and communities. We often don’t think about what it would be like if we could not speak. Think about all the people you have spoken to today and all the things you have said. Language allows us to control our environment. It allows us to influence those around us. It gives us a way to ask for needed things, request assistance, socialize with others, and express thoughts and feelings. Many students with significant communication needs display inappropriate behaviors due to the inability to communicate.

Students with significant disabilities often have limited communication and exhibit poor language skills. Many techniques are used to increase their language skills or to teach them an alternate way to communicate. These techniques include using signs or gestures, using pictures or symbols, or a more sophisticated communication device. These techniques are sometimes referred to as augmentative or alternative communication systems.

*ACTIVITY* 

Read the section “What Is It Like to Have a Severe Communication Disorder?” on the following website. Write a one page reflection about how you would feel if you could not speak.
http://www.pbrookes.com/aac/excerpt.htm


*ACTIVITY* 

Look at the following website and describe what is meant by a communication disorder and give some characteristics of students who have communication disorders.

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/language_disorders.html


*ACTIVITY* 

Read the following sections “What is communication” and “The Communication Bill of Rights.” What items from the Bill of Rights do you think are most important?
http://www.patts.org/library/osep-tads1-2.htm

The other topics linked to this unit will let you explore the important topic of communication in greater depth.
Click on the links to explore:

Everyone Communicates
Behavior as communication
Augmentative and Alternative Communications
Supporting communication

When you have reviewed these links and completed the activities, ask your teacher to take the quiz on this unit. As you are working on this unit, think about how you would let people know what you think or want if speaking was hard or impossible for you. How do you think it feels for the students with disabilities with whom you are working?