Severely physically disabled people can be helped to reach their goals in educational, vocational, and personal pursuits through appropriate use of current technology. The expressive communication needs of people without functional speech can be met through an analysis of selection techniques, processing, and outputs. Examples of new systems include Minspeak, an approach which uses normal language processes. Alternatives for providing computer access include a portable battery powered device mounted on a wheelchair or a system using head movement to make selections on a keyboard matrix. Persons with severe physical limitations can operate electrical devices in their environment through a system using a microcomputer, peripheral hardware, and an appropriate program. An area of great need is the integration of communication, computer access, and environmental control with mobility. One such system under development features commercially available components, including an optical headpointer, a joystick simulator, and a wireless data telemetry system. (CL)