Functional communication is important for students with severe disabilities who are non-verbal or minimally verbal. Alternative communication methods include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Mayer Johnson symbols, which are pictures with printed words, are commonly used. Low-tech devices like the Big Mack allow recording of 1-2 messages, while high-tech devices can have 4-8 messages or more through overlays. It is important for speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to collaborate on the best AAC device and access method for each individual student.

1. Functional Communication for Students with Severe Disabilities.<br /> When working with a student that has been classified as Multiply Handicapped or with severe or profound mental challenges with Physical disabilities it is important to remember that speech is not the only way to communicate. Many of these students are non verbal or minimally verbal and need Augmentative Alternative Communication Devices (AAC). Alternative communication can be any form of communication that helps a student to communicate. Mayer Johnson symbols are one of the most widely forms of communication that are used for non verbal and minimally verbal students today. In the past people used total communication which is a combination of manual signs and verbalizations. Special educators began to see that the general population didn’t understand sign language so this was not the best way to communicate with students that had severe disabilities. Symbols are pictures and they are understood by everyone one the printed word is also on the top of the picture. Some students are not at the level of symbols and in this case photographs or small objects can be velcroed on an oak tag board as an alternative form of communication.<br /> There are also some low tech and high tech augmentative voice out put devices on the market. The Big Mack one message device is low Tech because it is a one message device for example I want to eat can be recorded on this device. The I talker is a two message voice output device “turn the page and “my turn are phrases that can be recorded on a two message device. There are also Tech 4 and 8 devices. These devices allow 4-8 messages. The students have to access the device if their manual dexterity skills are poor there are scanning devices on the market that allow an individual to use a switch to use their heads, knees, foot, or any other body part. Some of the Tech 8 devices have levels which means there can be up to 12 overlay that can be programmed into the device 12x8 messages=96 messages. Also on the market are partner 4 and 8 devices and cheap talk 4 and 8 devices. Most of these devices come with overlays so the creation of overlays can be made with the boardmaker communication program. It is very important to collaborate with the child’s speech therapist when deciding on the use of a communication system for a student. The oocupational therapist can help with the best part of a child’s body should be used for accessing a device. Lastly the Physical Therapist should be consulted with about the best position for a student to be placed in to acess his or her device. On the nxt page there are examples of AAC devices that can be used with students thnat are non-verbal or minimally verbal.<br />