Facilitated communication (also referred to as facilitated communication training) is an alternative means of expression that has been used by individuals who cannot speak or whose speech is limited and who cannot point reliably. The method involves a communication partner, typically called a facilitator, (e.g. teacher, friend, parent) providing physical and emotional support as the person points at pictures, letters, words, or other symbols.

The method is controversial. In some research studies, individuals using facilitation have not demonstrated that they were able to convey their own thoughts through the method. Some studies have revealed that individuals could be influences by or pick up on cues from their facilitators. In other studies, individuals have demonstrated the ability to express their own ideas and to do so without influence or cue seeking. Others have progressed from supported to independent typing.

The question of authorship can become particularly controversial when the subject of what has been communicated concerns sensitive issues. Such topics may include, for example, preferences about living arrangements, allegations of abuse, and selection of personal assistants.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

TASH regards access to alternative means of expression an individual right.

TASH encourages its membership to become informed about the complexities of facilitated communication training and practice and to stay informed of new research and practice throughout the facilitated communication training process.

TASH encourages people who decide to become facilitators to seek training in the method. TASH encourages careful, reflective use of facilitated communication.

TASH encourages facilitators to work in collaboration with individuals with severe disabilities to find ways of confirming communication competence when using facilitation. To this end, TASH encourages use of multiple strategies, including, for example: controlled designs; portfolio analysis; and transitioning to independent typing.

TASH urges that when allegations of abuse or other sensitive communication occur, facilitators and others seek clarification of the communication and work to ensure that users of facilitation are given the same access to legal and other systems that are available to persons without disabilities. It is important not to silence those who could prove their communication competence while using facilitation or any other method of expression.

TASH expresses its appreciation to individuals who have disabilities and who have learned to communicate through facilitation and who have been instrumental in discovering ways for themselves and others to demonstrate their communication competence.