See-N-Speak+Visual+Communication+Tools

=See - N - Speak Visual Communication Tools=



Communication is an integral facet of learning (Forman 2008 Pg. 346). Within the classroom, community and home environments, we communicate continuously throughout the day to express our thoughts, ideas and needs.

A student with communication difficulties will be disadvantaged in both learning and social activities, unless every effort is made to ensure the student has an effective and functional means to communicate (Forman 2008 Pg. 346)

__There are numerous reasons why a child may not be able to communicate effectively, they might:__


 * Live in a family that is bilingual, with English being a second language.
 * Be an infant or toddler, just starting to develop their language.
 * Have a learning or language delay as a result of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger, Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, Hearing impairment or another disorder.

See - N - Speak is a business that produce visual supports to improve communication. The founder of See - N - Speak, Alison Mooney, designed the visual aids through a personal need of connecting and communicating with her son Flynn, who has mild Autism Spectrum Disorder.

__The benefits of using See - N - Speak are:__
 * To assist children in making choices.
 * To assist family and teachers in communicating with the child.
 * To build the child's self-esteem.
 * To relieve potential anxiety caused by communication barriers.
 * As a resource to develop literacy skills.
 * To teach the child to anticipate what comes next in daily routines.
 * To assist children to socially interact and communicate with each other.

__Age appropriateness__

See - N - Speak use simple graphics pitched at children ranging from the early childhood years through the primary years.


 * There are a variety of Seek - N - Speak products that teachers can use to support the learning environment:**

__Let's Play Board__ - Children with Autism can gravitate towards one particular toy, teachers can use the Let’s Play Board to encourage children to participate (even if it is briefly) in other activities to broaden the child's play / leaning experiences.

__Choice Board__ - Provides teachers with a visual tool to encourage children to make choices.

__Food Directory__ - Is great for educational settings that provide meals. It assists the children in identifying and making food selections.

__Weekly Calenders__ - Assist teachers by displaying planned activities or events. Teachers can help children prepare for the events to come and the change in routine. Teachers can also use the boards as a tool for reflecting and discussing past events with children.

__Emotions Key Rings__ - Displays a variety of images that convey feelings and are used to assist children and teachers in expressing how they feel.

__Social Key Rings__ - Display images that convey appropriate and inappropriate social behaviours.

__Excursion Key Rings__ - Assist teachers in conveying planned excursions or visits to other environments within the school.

__Toileting Key Ring__ - Displays visual images that break down the toileting routine into small steps (Toilet, Flush, Turn on tap, soap, wash, dry hands).

__Routine Boards or Desk Top Routine Stripes__ - Teachers can visually map out the stages of daily tasks, activities and general school routines into smaller parts to assist children in knowing what comes next and to learn to anticipate changes and transitions in the routine.

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References:

Forman P, (2008) Inclusion In Action Harcourt Australia Pty Ltd

See - N - Speak Website sourced from http://seeandspeak.com.au/