My current challenge is implementing all of the different devices into my class programme to ensure they are getting ample opportunities to communicate. A trial is usually a maximum of a few weeks if they are trialing a device that is in high demand.
In my class i currently have:
- 2 verbal students, one with wide range of vocabulary and another who uses key words to communicate
- 1 nonverbal student has trialed a ipad mini with touch chat installed (the student presses the symbol / button which reads out the words). We are awaiting his device to be funded and in the meantime we are using a paper version of the ipad.
- 1 nonverbal student is trialing a Go Talk 9 which is a system which you have to pre record language you want to use.
- 1 nonverbal student is trialing a core board where he is learning to point to the symbols.
- 2 nonverbal students are awaiting a communication system but are currently learning to use visuals in the classroom before moving to a complete system.
Over the next few weeks my aim is to integrate these systems into my reading programme to show how multiple systems can be used in one classroom to model language and encourage my students to use their AAC systems to communicate. I am looking forward to seeing what my students have to say with the chance to now be able to do so.
Lastly i wanted to share a powerful blog i came across. It really encouraged me to think of my learners and how they must feel with limited means of communicating. In the chaos of a special needs classroom with so much going on it can be difficult to walk across the room to get their device when it took so long to finally get settled in the activity. However after reading this blog it has driven me to do what i can to give my students a voice.
Blog link here
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