The Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) board above is a low tech assistive technology device that has been individualized to a particular student who is non-verbal, Bob. The board has pictures at the top of the device in order for him to communicate his wants and needs. The pictures are based on items that he likes to play with during free time. Having them on the PECS board gives Bob the ability inform staff what he wants. Last year Bob was not communicating very much, which wasn’t his fault. Whenever he appeared that he wanted to communicate something he really didn’t have a way to state his wants or needs. Bob would then throw himself on the floor, scream, and at times hit staff. Also, he frequently hit his head. Although he used some of the PECS symbols, he did not have a board that he was effectively utilizing and that staff was encouraging on a daily basis. Since using the PECS communication board above Bob has been effectively communicating with the staff. This has also lessoned his tantrums.
The board was easy and quick to make. The staff already had the PECS program, so the pictures needed to be printed, laminated, and placed on the board. In order to decide what words would be used the Special Education Teacher and Speech Therapist collaborated. In order to reinforce the pictures and words they are used as much as possible throughout the day. Also, during goal time Bob practices using his board a staff member takes and graphs data on his progress. Bob is encouraged to use his board throughout the day. There have been so many benefits to Bob using this board. It has not only helped him emotionally and behaviorally, but it has given him the ability to communicate, which is a necessity for every student.
The board was easy and quick to make. The staff already had the PECS program, so the pictures needed to be printed, laminated, and placed on the board. In order to decide what words would be used the Special Education Teacher and Speech Therapist collaborated. In order to reinforce the pictures and words they are used as much as possible throughout the day. Also, during goal time Bob practices using his board a staff member takes and graphs data on his progress. Bob is encouraged to use his board throughout the day. There have been so many benefits to Bob using this board. It has not only helped him emotionally and behaviorally, but it has given him the ability to communicate, which is a necessity for every student.