Communication Systems
Language Based Techniques or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies will be embedded in activities throughout the student’s day. AAC strategies are methods which help to augment or help the student’s communication. The goal is to make sure that language is being received and expressed by students in each activity.
This program will use communication systems to help students develop their own voice. Whether it be by using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or Assistive Technology, students will always have access to being heard. Students will be presented with opportunities to make choices by using their communication systems, be vocally involved in activities and other learning. These systems will be monitored by Speech and Language Pathologists that work with this population. They will always encourage students to make approximations in conjunction with the presenting a picture or using an augmentative device.
This program will use communication systems to help students develop their own voice. Whether it be by using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or Assistive Technology, students will always have access to being heard. Students will be presented with opportunities to make choices by using their communication systems, be vocally involved in activities and other learning. These systems will be monitored by Speech and Language Pathologists that work with this population. They will always encourage students to make approximations in conjunction with the presenting a picture or using an augmentative device.
These skills will be learned during 1:1 work sessions, with teachers or classroom aides. It is important that the adults make sure the students understand what is being communicated, as well as having the students communicate. Expressive as well as receptive language skills will be taught during 1:1 sessions as well as during small and large group settings. This is to ensure that language does not become rote and robotic.
PECS
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a form of augmentative and alternative communication that uses pictures instead of words to help people communicate. Students who are non-vocally will start off by learning how to use PECS in order to communicate wants, needs, as well as respond to questions or directives. PECS will commonly be seen during DTT, for students who are learning basic colors, numbers, etc.. who are non-vocal speakers. The students PECS will always be available to the student. These are their 'words'. PECS can be generalized to electronic augmentative communication devices such as ipads and ipods.
ipads & ipods
Once students advance in using the Picture Exchange Communication System, they will begin to utilize apps on an ipad or ipod touch. This apps use pictures with words that are categorized in ways students are able to easily navigate. Students will learn sentence structure, how to ask and response to questions, and how to use their language spontaneously.