Communication access to conversational narrative

This article describes methods that have been developed to provide augmentative and alternative communication communicators with better access to narrative conversation. It begins by highlighting the need to provide access to conversational narrative for people with complex communication needs, arguing that this type of conversation plays an important role in interaction that is both effective and satisfying. It proceeds by describing how young children and people with complex communication disabilities access narratives through interactional support. The results of research projects that have used technology to support interactional conversation (telling jokes, sharing experiences, telling nonfictional stories) are presented as examples of how technology can support people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication to become more effective conversationalists and storytellers.