Activities to Facilitate Nonvocal Language-Communication Boards, an activity guide providing augmentative communication systems to children who cannot effectively speak, was field tested with 51 severely handicapped children (6 months to 4 years old). All had a poor prognosis for developing speech. Language development scores from standard evaluations were converted to rates of development for both expressive and receptive language. Ss were also rated on a motivation (amount of initiating behavior) questionnaire. Ss made significant gains in both expressive and receptive rates of language development. Ss with higher motivation made significantly more gains than those with lower motivation. Results indicated the guide was useful in a total educational program. The importance of motivation and of uncovering ways to increase motivation was noted. (Author/CL)