IEP and Assistive Technology 3: Communication Board

Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance: Andy uses a variety of sounds, gestures, signs, and picture/symbols to communicate with his family. He is very social and enjoys parallel play. Andy does not communicate vocally in the classroom, but does use some gestures. At school Andy will sign, but only with prompts.

Annual Goal: Andy will increase expressive language production by using a variety of communication methods in the classroom, including sign language, gestures, communication boards, pictures, and simple voice output devices during four out of five opportunities.

http://kansasasd.com/downloads/cm_attachments/I%20Feel%20Board.jpg

A communication board is an adaptation used to facilitate communication. It is made up of pictures and words that children can point to to express ideas and feelings when vocal communication is limited or absent. The amount of symbols on the communication board can vary. Low-tech versions can be several images on a piece of paper. There high-tech counterparts include augmentative communication devices incorporating such features as computer-generated voices.

Resources:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities (2nd ed., pp. 150-153). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.