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Total communication is a combination of modalities (e.g., speech, writing, signing, gestures, facial expressions, aided and unaided AAC). Research has found that individuals with complex communication impairments rely on multimodal forms of communication (Light et. al., 1985). Total communication has been referred to as a multisensory approach (e.g., tactile, auditory, visual), where all modes are valued (Thurman, 2009). As an evidence-based practice, research has found that total communication has resulted in higher vocabulary comprehension in early intervention (Carbone et al., 2006).
Total Communication Approach Guide
Accept and use all forms of communication
gestures, signs, symbols, sign language (ASL), objects, pictures, verbal approximations, aided AAC (communication boards, speech generating devices). The following link contains detailed information on several of these methods: https://www.perkins.org/school/deafblind/total-communication/
Identify and support the child's means/mode of communication
Identify the child's skill level
Motivate the child to communicate
Practice and create opportunities for the child to communicate
All efforts should be encouraged, praised, and rewarded
The following video is a demonstration of the implementation of total communication.
Goals addressed in Total Communication:
Improves communication with communication partners
Aids in vocabulary association and word-object association
Helps the child identify their preferred method of communication
Speech and Language Therapy Data Collection Sheet Freebie by Speechy Musings (teacherspayteachers.com)
Materials: Data Tracking Sheet from by SpeechyMusings from TPT.
Date
Goal
Correct or Incorrect Responses (+/-)
Up to 20 trials per goal
References:
Carbone, V. J., Lewis, L., Sweeney-Kerwin, E. J., Dixon, J., Louden, R., & Quinn, S. (2006). A comparison of two approaches for teaching VB functions: Total communication vs. vocal-alone. The Journal of Speech and Language Pathology – Applied Behavior Analysis, 1(3), 181–192. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100199
SpeechyMusings. (n.d.). Login: Teachers pay teachers. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Speech-and-Language-Therapy-Data-Collection-Sheet-Freebie-2125576
Thurman, S. (2009). Communication is a human right. Kidderminster: British Institute of Learning Disabilities.
Janice Light, Barbara Collier & Penny Parnes (1985) Communicative interaction between young nonspeaking physically disabled children and their primary caregivers: Part III—modes of communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 1:4, 125-133, DOI: 10.1080/07434618512331273621
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