This paper presents a brief history of communication intervention and describes recent developments which have brought about shifts in intervention focus, perspectives, and strategies, especially with people having severe disabilities. In examining how communication is important to a good quality of life, the paper points out that the real point of communication is membership in society. The concept of membership is explored, including the ways in which individuals construct stories that make the communication acts of individuals with severe disabilities commonplace and socially valuable. The paper concludes that efforts to foster communication should shift to making sure that these efforts actually result in individuals achieving social membership. (Contains 20 references or suggested resources.) (Author/DB)