Students with little or no functional speech in schools for students with severe mental retardation in South Africa

This study describes the communication and related skills of students in schools for students with severe mental retardation in South Africa. In particular, it focuses on the prevalence of students with little or no functional speech and their exposure to classroom activities and remedial services. The methodology consisted of two surveys that were completed with the assistance of field workers by teachers at 19 schools in Pretoria. A total of 1,344 students and 144 teachers were included in the study. The results indicated that 39% of all students in these schools had little or no functional speech (i.e., they were unable to express their needs verbally). The teachers perceived these students to be considerably more disabled than their speaking peers in the same schools. This article highlights the communication needs of students in schools for students with mental retardation in South Africa and the clinical implications thereof.