Communication Services and Supports for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: Guidance for Assessment and Intervention
American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Brady, N. C., Bruce, S., et al. (2016).
American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 121(2), 121-138.
This guideline provides recommendations for assessment and intervention of individuals with severe disabilities. The target audience of this guideline is practitioners and family members.
National Joint Committee on the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities
For individuals with severe disabilities, augmentative and alternative communication systems should incorporate technological advances into intervention.
For individuals with severe disabilities, teamwork and collaboration across disciplines should be integrated through inter-professional education (IPE) and inter-professional practice (IPP).
For individuals with severe disabilities, interventions should be tied to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework and should incorporate the individual's characteristics, cultural considerations, and environmental factors. Interventions should target contexts and routines that are meaningful. Standards-based and functional goals for promoting effective communication and literacy skills should be included in classroom settings.
For individuals with severe disabilities, assessments should be tied to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework, should include dynamic assessment procedures, and should incorporate the individual's characteristics, cultural considerations, and environmental factors.
