ISAAC in Chains: The Future of Communication Systems

The current state of research into augmentative and alternative communication systems is reviewed, and various problems identified in the light of a model of communication which integrates the main variables. Four dimensions are defined, and used to characterize different approaches to handicap: structural, developmental, pragmatic, and technological. Certain limitations in recent research procedures are summarized, and the need for standardized guidelines is emphasized. A recommendation is made concerning the importance of case studies. Recent work in the field of vocabulary is cited as an illustration.