Doreen M. Blischak

Phonologic awareness: Implications for individuals with little or no functional speech

Current research into the role of phonologic awareness in the development of reading is reviewed, with a focus on the processes of word recognition and the encoding of linguistic information in working memory. Research into these processes in normally developing children, as well as illiterate adults, deaf adults, readers of nonalphabetic languages, and individuals with severe speech impairments, is described to support the role of phonologic awareness in reading. Given the critical need for literacy development in individuals with little or no functional speech and the inherent difficulties in observing and evaluating their phonologic awareness and reading skills, implications for research are discussed.

Use of Technology To Support Independent Spelling by Students with Autism

For individuals with little or no functional speech, the ability to spell is critical in generating spontaneous, novel utterances. The purpose of this article is to discuss evidence regarding the role of speech-generating devices (SGDs) and talking word processing software in supporting independent spelling in children with autism. Implications for understanding the learning characteristics of children with autism and discussion regarding practice and future research are derived.

Thomas the WriterCase Study of a Child With Severe Physical, Speech, and Visual Impairments

A case study is presented to describe the development of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and literacy skills by a 9-year-old child, Thomas, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and ...

Effects of modified orthography on the identification of printed words.

Research has shown that instructional methods involving pairing pictures with print interfere with identification of written words. Preliminary evidence, however, indicates that use of modified orthography (where a line drawing is superimposed upon the printed word) may be effective for reading instruction with individuals who have mental retardation. In the present study, we used a single-subject parallel treatments design with 4 adults who had moderate to severe mental retardation. They received reading instruction under two conditions--traditional and modified orthography. Results showed that traditional orthography was a more effective method for word identification. The relative advantage of modified orthography over traditional orthography for individuals with mental retardation was not supported.

Augmentative and alternative communication in developing countries: challenge of the future

This case study chronicles the development of a multimodal augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system by a hearing impaired, physically disabled adult, Cathy. Beginning with her first experience with formal education at age 13, Cathy expanded her use of communication modes from typing and manual signs to communication boards and, finally, at age 35, to use of a voice output communication aid (VOCA). This ongoing process is documented, with emphasis on the gradual integration of each successive communication mode into Cathys total AAC system and her multimodal use both across and within communicative situations. Cathys functional use of her various communication modes is described along with implications for future AAC development.

Assistive communication devices: Call for specifications

Many types of assistive communication devices have become available in the past decade for individuals requiring augmentative and alternative communication. Choosing appropriate devices is frequently a difficult decision, due in part, to the vast variety of available options. Device characteristics such as memory capability, programming requirements, and input and output features lend themselves to the development of specifications. The authors describe a number of these device characteristics and call for collaboration among manufacturers, researchers, clinicians/educators, and consumers to begin to collect, develop, and report specifications to aid in the device selection process.