Individuals are expected to communicate with one another on a daily basis. Appropriate communication functions create opportunities for productive participation in interactions with others. Communication can usually be achieved through a variety of modes. Verbal interactions, writing products, gestures, or symbols (pictures) are some examples of this. Communication is a social behavior. Effective communication must take place in naturally occurring settings. Communication disorders are a primary characteristic for individuals with developmental disabilites. As exceptional education teachers, we are faced with the challenge of teaching academic and social skills to these students.
This website has bee developed to share information on how to use augmentative/alternative communication to help make progress in the communicative needs of individuals with severe disabilities. The emphasis is on using pictures to communicate with these individuals. This intervention allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities. This site also has helpful information about strategies and activities to promote handwriting skills.
Creating this website has given me the opportunity to see the advantages and disadvantages of using augmentative and alternative communication. I am also more aware of how to carefully select and implement the use of AAC devices in the classroom. I am looking forward to trying many new approaches to teaching curriculum content in the VE classroom.
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