Total Communication

Total Communication is a communication philosophy and approach that aims to provide individuals with various communication abilities the opportunity to effectively communicate and understand others. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with speech and language disorders.

Definition

Total Communication is a comprehensive approach to communication that utilizes a combination of different communication methods and strategies. It emphasizes the use of multiple modes of communication, such as sign language, speech, lip-reading, gestures, facial expressions, and written or visual aids. The goal is to ensure that individuals can access and understand information in a way that suits their unique communication needs.

History

Total Communication was first developed in the 1960s as a response to the limitations of oralism, a communication approach that focused solely on speech and lip-reading for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The pioneers of Total Communication recognized that relying solely on oral methods excluded many individuals from effective communication and limited their educational and social opportunities.

Key Principles

Total Communication is guided by several key principles:

Individualized Approach

Total Communication recognizes that each individual has unique communication abilities and preferences. It aims to tailor communication strategies to meet the specific needs of each person, ensuring that they can effectively express themselves and understand others.

Multimodal Communication

Total Communication encourages the use of multiple modes of communication simultaneously. This may involve combining sign language, speech, lip-reading, gestures, and written or visual aids to enhance communication and comprehension.

Accessibility

Total Communication emphasizes the importance of making information accessible to all individuals, regardless of their communication abilities. This may involve providing visual aids, captions, or transcripts to support understanding.

Collaboration

Total Communication promotes collaboration between individuals, educators, and communication professionals. It recognizes the value of working together to develop effective communication strategies and support systems.

Benefits

Total Communication offers several benefits for individuals with communication challenges:

Enhanced Communication

By utilizing multiple modes of communication, Total Communication provides individuals with more opportunities to express themselves and understand others. It allows for a more inclusive and effective communication experience.

Improved Education

Total Communication has been widely adopted in educational settings, particularly for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. By incorporating various communication methods, it enables these students to access information and participate fully in the learning process.

Increased Social Integration

Total Communication promotes social integration by facilitating communication between individuals with different communication abilities. It helps bridge the communication gap and fosters understanding and inclusion in various social settings.

Criticisms

While Total Communication has proven to be a valuable approach to communication, it is not without its criticisms. Some argue that relying too heavily on sign language may hinder the development of speech and auditory skills in individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Others believe that Total Communication may not be suitable for all individuals, as it requires significant resources and training to implement effectively.

Conclusion

Total Communication is a comprehensive approach to communication that recognizes and accommodates the diverse communication needs of individuals. By combining various communication methods, it aims to provide effective communication and understanding for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with speech and language disorders. While it has its critics, Total Communication has proven to be a valuable tool in promoting inclusive communication and enhancing educational and social opportunities for individuals with communication challenges.