For Tim Chan, who cannot speak, facilitated communication (FC) is a “lifeline” that has enabled him to socialize and pursue a PhD. Chan, a 29-year-old diagnosed with autism as a toddler, uses a text-to-voice tool to communicate. FC involves a facilitator guiding the non-verbal person’s hand, arm, or back to help them point to letters or words. Chan’s mother, Sarah, has been his facilitator for 20 years, and her assistance has now reduced to a slight touch on his shoulder to help him stay focused. Many advocates of FC see it as a miraculous tool that provides a voice to people with disabilities.
Controversy and Concerns
Despite the support for FC, a growing number of experts, families, and former facilitators argue that the tool should be banned. Studies suggest that the facilitator, rather than the non-verbal individual, may be the true author of the messages. There have been several criminal allegations made by non-verbal individuals using FC that were later dismissed, raising doubts about the authenticity of the communication. This debate has led to accusations of ableism, controversies over the tool’s effectiveness, and even inspired a Louis Theroux documentary, sparking international discussions on the power dynamics between disabled individuals and their caregivers.
The Invention of Facilitated Communication
Australian disability advocate Rosemary Crossley invented facilitated communication in 1977. She passed away last year, leaving behind a complex legacy. While many viewed Crossley as a champion for individuals with limited or no functional speech, critics have significantly challenged her invention. Despite its widespread use, many view FC as misguided and potentially harmful.
The Case of Anne McDonald
Anne McDonald was one of the first notable individuals to use FC. McDonald, a non-verbal Australian woman with cerebral palsy and a severe intellectual disability, had no control over her limbs. Crossley claimed that, with her support, 16-year-old McDonald could communicate by pointing at magnetic letters. This claim brought FC into the spotlight, but it also became a source of controversy, with many questioning whether McDonald was actually communicating or if Crossley was unintentionally guiding her responses.
Facilitated communication remains a highly divisive tool. While some see it as an essential means of communication for non-verbal individuals, others believe it may be manipulating the very people it aims to help, raising ethical concerns about its use and effectiveness.
