Communication Tools
Communication Devices are used by students who are non verbal and need help communicating with their peers, teachers, and family. The Assistive Technology Services must carefully determine which type of Communication tool will best fit the student's needs. The students, teachers, and parents will need instruction and training to use whichever Communication Tool the Assistive Technology Services deems is a good fit for the child. Ultimately it will be the job of the teachers and parents to ensure that student is using the device correctly and to its greatest potential.
Whichever device is chosen for the student, this tool must be able to meet three basic components of a regular conversation. The user of the device must be able to do three things while using the device: create a message that they would like to convey, be able to communicate the message they have created clearly to another person, and finally the device must allow the user to give a response to the person they are communicating with. Devices must be able to be portable so the student can communicate freely with anyone they come into contact with in the classroom or in the school.
Whichever device is chosen for the student, this tool must be able to meet three basic components of a regular conversation. The user of the device must be able to do three things while using the device: create a message that they would like to convey, be able to communicate the message they have created clearly to another person, and finally the device must allow the user to give a response to the person they are communicating with. Devices must be able to be portable so the student can communicate freely with anyone they come into contact with in the classroom or in the school.
How are Communication Tools selected?
No matter the student or the severity of the student's disability, as long as the use the of the communication device will aid the student communicate within in their daily life then they qualify for a communication device. No matter if the student is nonverbal or or just has trouble speaking they will be assessed to see if they require a Communication. So, if a student simply has a stutter or has selective mutism they will be considered for any type of communication device in the hopes their communication will improve. The type of device, whether it be low tech or high tech is based off the student's needs and what they are already capable of doing. However, students do not need to exhibit a specific set of skills in order to receive a communication device.
Those involved in the selection of the communication tool are required to know the student and the student's needs very well. This group of people selecting the device must include: at least one professional who is well trained with communication devices, the student, the student's parents or guardians, and the student's teacher. By involving those who are directly involved with instruction of the student and are aware of the students needs there is a better chance that the student will receive a device that is best suited to them. It is important that has selected the device meets regularly to evaluate the student's progress with the device and consider if a different device would be better or if the one the student is using should be modified.
This group of individuals must examine the student's likes and dislikes, their traits, and the settings in which they will use the device. This information will help the team decide which type of device would best help the student. The team must also look ahead and consider if the device will aid the child in the future as well and if they think they will see improvement in the future from the student because of the device.
Those involved in the selection of the communication tool are required to know the student and the student's needs very well. This group of people selecting the device must include: at least one professional who is well trained with communication devices, the student, the student's parents or guardians, and the student's teacher. By involving those who are directly involved with instruction of the student and are aware of the students needs there is a better chance that the student will receive a device that is best suited to them. It is important that has selected the device meets regularly to evaluate the student's progress with the device and consider if a different device would be better or if the one the student is using should be modified.
This group of individuals must examine the student's likes and dislikes, their traits, and the settings in which they will use the device. This information will help the team decide which type of device would best help the student. The team must also look ahead and consider if the device will aid the child in the future as well and if they think they will see improvement in the future from the student because of the device.
Aspects of the Communication Tool:
It is important for the group of individuals to provide the student with a set of symbols that the student can understand and can easily access. Symbols like the ones shown in the picture to the left should be a clear depiction of something physical that the child may desire or need. Other symbols can feature letters, pictures, pronouns, verbs, articles, etc.; as long as the student is able to express themselves. Some communication devices allow the student to talk using full sentences. By having simple phrases the child can grow from having the device say "ball" to "I want the ball, please."
For examples of Low and High tech Communication tools please click "more", scroll to "Communication Tools", and click either "Low Tech Communication Tools" or "High Tech Communication Tools".