After an initial and somewhat overwhelming entrance of computer technology into the fields of special education and communication disorders, the dust is beginning to settle. The time is opportune to take stock of what has been learned and where computer applications in these fields are or should be going. The present paper aims to review the potential of computer technology for training communication skills of individuals with mental retardation. Meeting this aim necessitates drawing on information from the wider fields of computer-assisted-instruction in education in general and in special education, as much of the information is relevant, but not always specific to mental retardation. The present paper reviews the literature on the effectiveness of various forms of computer-assisted-instruction (CAI), discusses the usefulness of computers in light of specific characteristics and special needs of learners who are retarded and reviews research into computer applications with individuals with mental retardation. Finally, the potential uses of computers in communication intervention with individuals with mental retardation is discussed in terms of amalgamating the states-of-the-art in CAI and communication disorders.
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