Facilitated+communication

=Facilitated communication vs augmentative and alternative communication=

Watch this episode on ABC's 20/20 for a real world controversial expose with regard to facilitated communication:

[|http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wendrows-sex-abuse-cases-dismissed-facilitated-communication/story?id=15274276#.TyWWCJgpw80]

Wikipedia has a comprehensive article regarding facilitated communication.

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It is important to "understand the history, use and research on facilitated communication as a form of communication access (candidacy, appropriate supports and work towards independent typing; research including controversy over authorship)." (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, //Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of Moderate and Severe Disabilities: Instruction on the appropriate use of augmentative and alternative communication and other assistive technologies.//, December 2011.

Augmentative and alternative communication is more of a global term focused on using tools and strategies that promote user independence. Further information about this approach can also be found in wikipedia.

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After you have completed these investigations, please click on the Discussions Tab above and respond to this prompt:
Based on these investigations, w hat are your impressions about facilitated communication. Do you believe that this a valid approach to communication?