#PECS BOARDMAKER SOFTWARE#
Investing in Boardmaker, PECS or other software is not a guarantee that professionals or parents can quickly discover how a child might benefit most through the use of cards, schedules, communication boards or electronic devices.įamilies who have developed communication materials, teaching strategies or picture-based cards and boards for their own sons and daughters often create online communities to discuss options and alternatives with other parents and advocates about encouraging communication, social interaction and learning as children are growing up.Ĭonnecting with other families and professionals increases the opportunities our sons and daughters have to interact with us and express themselves so that we know them better. There are communities of parents and professionals who share the strategies and supports that have been of greatest benefits for children and teens in all aspects of their lives. Symbols and clip art for PECS, Makaton and the wonderful Boardmaker programs are communication alternatives that help teach reading and other lessons as well providing opportunities for our children to engage in a great variety of social interactions.
Alternate forms of communication allow them to focus on goals, interests and destinations that disregard the convenience, expense and comfort level of adult caregivers and educators so they can plan and dream like their mainstream peers. Symbols and pictures may allow them to see alternatives that we may not have considered offering them, and help them make choices that develop their confidence, joy, and pride. They are also helpful in educational settings for expressing comprehension and progress torward academic goals, and in easing transitions by providing visual representations that support the need for reassurance of structure and routine that are comforting to most children.Ĭhildren who have no way to communicate except through their behavior are often relieved to learn alternative ways to disagree, object or express their frustration. These systems are useful for those who do not use speech as their primary form of communication as well as those who are temporarily unable to speak.
The use of standardized picture communication cards and communication boards available through well thought-out graphics programs like Boardmaker, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or Makaton symbols offer wonderful opportunities to children and adults who rely on low-tech cards or boards or electronic systems for functional communication.
Children with communication delays, articulation challenges or developmental disabilities deserve every opportunity to make their needs, interests and preferences known.
0 kommentar(er)
