Textured Communication Systems for Individuals With Severe Intellectual and Dual Sensory Impairments

Abstract

This article presents the development of texture communication systems for use by individuals with severe intellectual and dual sensory impairments. The systems consist of tactually salient materials which refer to concrete objects and activities. A transdisciplinary team model was employed in teaching the use of the systems for requesting and choice-making purposes. General phases of instruction, contextually based intervention strat-egies and criteria for selecting textures are discussed.