Twelve hearing impaired children (aged 2-5 years) were trained to use a novel interactive microcomputer system with a special interface word keyboard which builds in perceptual salience, individualized vocabulary, animation, and color graphics in a two-person-plus computer communication system. Ss were taught to press keys with words and short statements drawn from the child's own central interests and favorite expressions. This action was possible because: (1) the keys are readily changeable; (2) new words and graphic representations of pictures can be quickly and efficiently entered in the computer; and (3) permanent disk storage allows instantaneous access to many printed words and accompanying color graphics. In using this system the Ss learned not only to read but, also, a special form of "writing"--creating his/her own printed messages on a TV. Results have demonstrated significant gains in word recognition and reading comprehension. (Author/CL)