Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
More Than Six Decades of Growth and Development: Communication Rights and Needs for Children and Adults With Severe
MaryAnn Romski1, Rose A Sevcik1, Andrea Barton-Hulsey2
1Georgia State University, Atlanta.
Purpose:
The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the more than six-decade historical perspective on the field of intellectual disabilities (IDs), its relationship to the development of communication services and support for children and adults with severe disabilities in the context of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (NJC).
Method:
This historical overview briefly reviews the development of the ID field and how it inspired the focused growth of the communication service and support needs of children and adults with severe disabilities. It details the development of the NJC and its activities over time, including current and emerging areas of concern.
Results:
This article links the broader historical foundation of ID to the later establishment, mission, and ongoing development of the NJC. It describes the emergence and evolution of communication services and supports across these decades. It highlights the advocacy activities and committee products over time.
Conclusions:
The NJC's work is ever-evolving, building on past advocacy efforts. It aims to positively impact the communication future for children and adults with severe disabilities.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Intellectual Disability
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this...
Communication

