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Low-Tech AAC Systems

What is a low-tech communication system:

 

Low-tech communication generally means a system that doesn’t need batteries or electricity.

 

Examples of low-tech systems

Paper communication book using symbols, pictures, letters, phrases

Communication boards

Eye pointing communication book

Touch Cues

Objects of reference

Signing

PECS

Our new communication boards

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We are very proud to show you our brand new communication boards that we have recently had installed throughout the school grounds. Many children in our school benefit from the use of communication boards through the day. They allow our pupils, through gesturing, pointing or eye-pointing (gazing) at the symbols, to communicate their wants and needs. Our outdoor boards encourage children to communicate whilst they play, allow them to clearly make a choice between the equipment ('I want scooter' for example), and give them a voice. The core vocabulary allows children to move beyond their needs and wants, with the option of commenting on what they can see, hear and feel around them.

Inclusive Stories

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On Friday afternoon Pendle View run Inclusive Clubs for children in school. Robins Team run an ICT club over the last few weeks we have been accessing Inclusive Stories written by Pete on https://hub.helpkidzlearn.com/inclusive-stories.
We have been using sensory resources along with the stories our children have enjoyed listening to the stories and explore the resources. This week we have been reading Millie the Mermaid Who Couldn’t Swim!

Eye Pointing, Scanning And Vocalising To Communicate Choices

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Some of our children use low-tech communication methods such as eye pointing and scanning to show their preferences and communicate. We have created a scanning box to help this pupil focus on the choices available for this activity. We allow plenty of time for children to process the information presented to them, and pauses for them to have time to answer.

Intensive Interaction: Singing And Playing Along

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Using intensive interaction techniques, some pupils are able to access and engage in the world around them. This pupil enjoys feeling the vibrations of music, and is definitely developing his rhythm skills! His favourite songs to join in with include Opera Angels and the Two Cellos Pirates Of The Caribbean Theme.

Using My Voice To Attract Attention

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We love having fun in Robins! This little boy is learning to vocalise in order to attract attention - what better game than hide and seek to practice this!

Using A Low-Tech Communication System

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This little boy has been learning how to use a low-tech communication book. We have personalised his book to meet his needs, he will navigate through the different categories within the communication book to create a message or tell us a story which he enjoys doing. Hopefully, he will soon be moving onto a high-tech communication system. It’s important to keep a backup of any low-tech communication systems should the high-tech breakdown or in situation where it is not safe to use an electronic device such as when playing with water.

Using PECS For Play

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PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Systems) is a great way for some of our children to communicate. In Phase 4 onwards, pupils begin to make their sentences more detailed by adding attributes. In Robins, we like to use play and creativity to promote communication.

Using PECS Phases 1 - 3 To Communicate

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PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Systems) is a great way for some of children to communicate. They work up from simple single symbol exchange to building whole sentences.
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