There is a rapidly growing body of research that demonstrates the positive effects of augmentative and alternative communication
(AAC) intervention on the communication of children and adults with complex communication needs. Despite the positive impact
of many AAC interventions, however, many individuals with complex communication needs continue to experience serious challenges
participating in educational, vocational, healthcare, and community environments. In this paper, we apply the framework
proposed by the International Classifi cation of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to illustrate the need to re-think AAC
intervention to improve outcomes for individuals with complex communication needs, and to foster a new generation of intervention
research that will provide a solid foundation for improved services. Specifi cally, the paper emphasizes the need to take a
more holistic view of communication intervention and highlights the following key principles to guide AAC intervention and
research: (a) build on the individual ' s strengths and focus on the integration of skills to maximize communication, (b) focus on
the individual ' s participation in real-world contexts, (c) address psychosocial factors as well as skills, and (d) attend to extrinsic
environmental factors as well as intrinsic factors related to the individual who requires AAC.