Assistive technology for Communication
Visual Support ResourcesThe ATRC has a variety of resources related to making visual supports for students. Boardmaker, Picture This and Pix Writer all have selections of pictures or photos to use. We have copies of some books with great suggestions. Visual Strategies for Improving Communication by Linda Hodgdon is a very down to earth and detailed guide to making visual supports for students. Check out a copy of the video Visual Supports in the Classroom for other great ideas.
Augmentative communicationAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to the use of other communication means when speech is not effective. The goals in using AAC are for the person to use the speech they have (which may be understood by some listeners), to use other means as necessary and to be effective, successful communicators.
In consultation with the student's speech-language pathologist, a team may consider augmentative communication for a student whose speech is not adequate for classroom communication. Parents and teachers often ask if using AAC will hinder a child's development of speech. The research shows that this is not usually the case. Many therapists report that children will be more persistent in their efforts to speak once they experience the power of successful communication. |
Links to more information on AAC |