Dimensions

Additional Info

More Details

* Print and laminate to make this durable. A page could also be placed in a card or document holder or covered in clear contact paper
* This spelling communication board can be made up in different sizes to suit the access capabilities of an individual
* Small versions are portable and can be carried in a pocket or handbag and can be used when needed as a support to a person's communication
* Larger versions can be made if this makes it easier for a person to point accurately to the letters
* Communication partners can assist a person who has a physical disability to access the board, using partner-assisted scanning and eyegaze
* Partner assisted scanning means that the communication partner points to each row on the display, until the person indicates "yes" to select a row. Then the communication partner points along the row, until the person indicates "yes" again to select a letter, number or phrase
* Eyegaze means that the person looks towards the letter, number or phrase he or she wants to select. This assists the communication partner to more quickly find the item they wish to indicate and can be used in combination with partner assisted scanning

Factors To Consider

* Consider the size and layout of a display to suit an individual
* Some people may find an "abc" arrangement of letters easier
* Commonly used phrases can be added to a spelling board, to assist the user to indicate messages more quickly
* Phrases can be added where
- they are frequently used comments, questions and requests
- where it is important to communicate the message quickly or
- to communicate medical information quickly and accurately
* For further information and advice about augmentative and alternative communication strategies, contact a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or special educator

This resource is on display at the Independent Living Centre NSW