Short Description
Communication boards and symbol systems are options for enhancing or augmenting the communication of people who have difficulties communicating with speech eg, they may have no speech or speech that is difficult to understand. A communication board is one method of arranging symbols for an augmentative communication system.
More Details
. Communication systems involving symbols are most appropriate for people who understand that a symbol can represent an idea eg. the golden arches are a symbol for McDonalds.
. Individuals who do not use symbolic communication benefit from different types of communication systems.
A wide range of symbol systems are available including:
. MOVEMENT based (eg. signing, pantomime or individualised gesture)
. SOUND based (eg. tape-loops, voice output communication aids)
. VISUALLY based (eg. object symbols, photographs, line-drawings or picture symbols such as Compic or PCS).
. TACTILE based (eg. object symbols, indent symbols)
. LITERACY based (eg. print, Braille).
It is important that people have the opportunity to trial and use more than one mode of communication to improve the likelihood of a successful interaction.
Receptive communication (their level of understanding) and social
communication (their ability to use their communication skills to interact with others) should be considered as part of any communication system.
CONSULTATION:
. In some situations it may be appropriate to consult an expert in the area of augmentative communication.
. Communication assessment and intervention should be tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
. The Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is a division of Northcott located in North Paramatta. They also travel extensively throughout NSW.
. The Private Speech Pathology Association may also be able to refer you to a member for assistance.
This information has been prepared by the Computer Assistive Technology Services (division of Northcott).