An Introduction to Sign Teaching and the Use of Communication Aids

During the past 20 years a greater recognition of the prevalence of speech, language and communication disorders has led to a growing awareness of the need for alternative communication systems for those unable to use speech, or who need to complement poorly intelligible speech to communicate better, Several manual sign systems and a large number of graphic communication systems are now available and practitioners in the field need to be familiar with the merits of different systems and assess the suitability of each for meeting the needs of their various clients. This book provides an overview of manual and graphic communication systems and communication aids that can be used with children, adolescents and adults. It also describes the principal groups of people requiring an alternative mode of communication and the major differences between individuals within these groups. The authors discuss assessment of clients and the factors that must be considered in selecting a communication system, stressing the importance of basing the choice primarily on the characteristics and needs of the user concerned.
The book also covers the most important principles for teaching clients alternative communication, including parent and staff training and a discussion of how language and communication intervention may be best applied to enhance the initiative and self-reliance of the individual.