Reported here is a two-year study of the use of a speech-output communication device, coupled with naturalistic language intervention, to facilitate language development of school-age children with severe mental retardation. Subjects were 13 children. The first section (chapters 1-4) outlines a conceptual framework for the project, gives an…

This digest presents an overview of the auditory-verbal approach to teaching communication skills to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The goal of auditory-verbal practices is for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to grow up in "typical" learning and living environments that enable them to become independent,…

This digest provides an overview of the auditory-oral approach used for developing communication skills in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The approach is based on the fundamental premise that acquiring competence in spoken language is a realistic goal for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and is best developed in an environment…