People with intellectual and complex disabilities are often affected by communication impairments. Aging brings additional risks of communication impairments. First and foremost, psychosocial factors must be considered: Some people become more reserved in their communication as they age, while others, especially in old age, long for an attentive conversation partner with whom they can share their experiences or concerns. In addition, trusted caregivers (whether professionals or family members) with whom communication always worked well may no longer be available.

On the other hand, physiological decline can make verbal expression or the use of alternative forms of communication (such as communication devices or pictogram-based aids) more difficult. Dementia-related conditions deserve special mention here, as they are almost always accompanied by limitations in communication ability. People with intellectual disabilities face an increased risk of developing dementia or are less able to compensate for dementia-related conditions for a shorter period of time. Consequently, dementia-related conditions occur earlier and more frequently on average among people with intellectual disabilities. 

This is where the KommA project comes in. To this end, the communication needs of aging people with intellectual and complex disabilities are being assessed. Based on this, practice-oriented materials for documentation, support, and guidance by professional and private caregivers are being developed and tested.