Research

The ICI is an active research institute, and the nation's leading resource for information about communication and inclusion for individuals who type to communicate. We conduct and disseminate cutting-edge research in addition to sharing the latest from scholars at other universities and research centers.

Past and current research topics, developed in consultation with scholars and practitioners around the globe, include:

• Strategies for enabling individuals to become independent in their typing
• Methods for confirming authorship of typed communication
• Parent/family experiences with the method
• The relationship between facilitated communication and speech development
• Autobiographies of people with disabilities who use communicate through supported typing
• Inclusive schooling and community living
• Individuals who type to communicate in post-secondary settings
• Sustainability of  support for supported typing in schools

Current Research Projects

We in the currently beginning a series new research projects to be completed by 2013. Click here to learn more. We are also in the final stages of a set of research projects, which are described here. All of these projects are generously funded by the John Hussman Foundation. 

Authorship and Controversy

Despite the research supporting the authorship of typed communication and the number of individuals who once required intensive support to communicate who now can type with little or no physical support or who can read aloud what they type, facilitated communication remains controversial. Click here for more information on the controversy over authorship.
 

Research Statement

Click here for an updated statement on facilitated communication and what the research says about its effectiveness.