Communication Boards
Overview
Communication boards are displays of graphics (e.g., pictures, symbols, illustrations) and/or words where learners can gesture or point to the displays to extend their expressive language potential. As a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), communication board types can range from non technology (e.g., laminated core board posters, notebooks with interchangeable notecards of graphics paired with words) to high technology-based equipment such as ipads with communication board apps, and switch operated or eye controlled speech-generating devices. It is important to consider users' skills and backgrounds (for instance their Working Memory, Background Knowledge, and Speed of Processing) when creating or buying pre-made communication boards. Social Supports such as educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, caregivers, employers and friends can play a key role in supporting the creation of and effective use of this tool. These boards can be used across a variety of contexts including schools, households, community, medical, and work settings. Communication boards can assist learners who are nonverbal, minimally speaking, and/ or who are learning another language to more effectively express their immediate needs, preferences, questions, decisions, and emotions to others. When implemented properly, communication boards have the power to support learners to more readily: access, process and communicate information within their environment; participate with others in school, home, work, and community activities; demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Vocabulary, concepts, skills, and/or tasks within specific contexts; and convey their personal experiences, thoughts and/ or concerns. These devices can increase learners' level of independence, Motivation, and Learner Mindset within social interactions and help reduce or replace maladaptive behaviors (e.g., avoidance, withdrawal, aggression) that may be caused by barriers to communication.
Example: Use This Strategy In in the Classroom
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Multisensory Supports Strategies
Audiobooks allow learners to hear fluent reading and experience books in a flexible format.
Making space and time for physical activity, through brief movement breaks in the classroom or workplace and incorporating it into daily life, has benefits for the body and mind.
Speech-to-text takes the input from voice recognition and produces text.
Text-to-speech technology reads the words on a screen aloud.
