This report presents the results of two studies in the area of telecommunication for people with aphasia and mental retardation in Sweden. A brief outline of the use of still picture telephones for picture based distance communication is presented. Overall, still picture telephones were effective as a communication aid for people with either aphasia (N=15) or mental retardation. However, usage differences indicated people with aphasia used the telephone primarily to better communicate with their therapist whereas people with mental retardation used the telephone to establish and expand the social network and stimulate communication. (Contains 27 references.) (DB)