Intellectual Disability and Communication
The ability to communicate is fundamental in the day-to-day life of every person. Some people with intellectual disabilities have difficulties communicating for a variety of reasons. They may be unable to express or make understood their wishes, preferences, needs, or even problems. This inability to communicate is not merely frustrating; it can also result in people being excluded from making decisions about their own lives.
A limited or impaired ability to communicate means that people with intellectual disabilities have special communication needs. There are a variety of approaches to meet these needs, from developing personal communication skills, to relying on others for assistance in communicating, to using basic or advanced technology. There is a whole area of research that deals with these approaches called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Some AAC approaches are common sense and presume a basic sensitivity and awareness in communicating with people with intellectual disabilities. For example, it is important to make eye contact; be open and understanding of possibly unconventional behavior; refrain from using professional or other jargon; be ready to repeat information as needed; and be patient.
In addition to these common sense accommodations, people with intellectual disabilities, especially those whose motor and/or verbal skills are impaired, may need technological tools to help them to communicate. Such tools are known as assistive and adaptive technology (AT). Examples of AT include: specifically designed computers, tablets, touch screens, and voice/speech recognition software among others.
Not all alternative communication methods are flawless. For example, facilitated communication (FC) has given rise to controversy due to mistakes made by facilitators interpreting the messages of people with intellectual disabilities. This means that there is a need to continue developing and improving AAC methods, to better adapt them to specific needs of various groups of people with intellectual disabilities and/or communication impairments.
In this section of the website, you will find information about communication issues for people with intellectual disabilities, as well as relevant publications and reports, a list of other useful links, and some of the identified best practices.
Selected Sources
Inclusion of People with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disability (2003), a brochure by Inclusion Europe, explains special communication and other needs of people with intellectual disabilities, in order to help NGOs, self-advocates, and parents include them in their work. It also outlines some good practices across Europe.
Disability Awareness Kit, prepared by the Public Library Services of Victoria, Australia, is a training resource for public library customer service staff explaining how to communicate with customers who have intellectual disabilities.
Augmentative Communication in Practice. Scotland Study Days (1998), by CALL Center, explores low and high tech methods to help people with severe communication difficulties to speak for themselves.
Facilitated Communication: Courts say "No" (1992), cites a few cases when misinterpretation of communication by facilitators has given rise to unsubstantiated criminal allegations, and consequently countersuits. Such errors have seriously damaged the credibility of FC in courts.