We have a wonderful article by Elizabeth (Libby) S. Rush, an AAC and AT Consultant entitled Supporting Communication Through Shared Reading. Part 2 of the article has more than a dozen activities to encourage the use of Multiple Message communicators.
Supporting Communication Through Shared Reading
Assistive Technology Devices Used In Education, in Therapy and at Home
By Elizabeth (Libby) S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM
AAC and AT Consultant in Private Practice
Part 2
Individuals develop language and communication through experiences and interactions in every day situations. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users often need additional supports in learning, practicing and using communication skills. A general principle of learning is that participation in positive activities often supports acquisition of new skills. As discussed in Part 1 of “Supporting Communication Through Shared Reading,” positive shared reading experiences can be structured to meet the needs, interests and skill levels of the AAC user. The previous discussion addressed the use of single message voice output devices and sequencers in meeting the needs of AAC users. In Part 2, we will explore using multiple message communication systems to support language development and communicative interactions during the shared reading experience.
The transition to selecting and using more than one message or symbol can be very difficult to achieve. Shared reading environments support opportunities for use of multiple messages. For example, two message devices can be programmed to read a repeated line on one location and give the instruction “Turn the page.” on the other. Each of these functions might have been taught using single message devices and then presented on devices with two locations. The Mini-Coms #9151 can be joined together to make a smooth transition to a two or more location device. Symbols should be placed on each activation site for ease in locating message and supporting symbolic communication. The Rocking Two Message Say It Play It #1410 or Twin Talk and Play #1406 each can be particularly effective because of the reinforcement provided when utilized with toys or devices associated with the story being read. To provide support for individuals using objects for communication, the Compartmentalized Communicators - Two Compartments with Messages and Lights # 1243 is especially effective . Three, four and five compartmental communicators are also available. The Lapboard Take or Place N’ Talk #8704P or the Take or Place N’ Talk #8705 are very useful for those who need objects and hands-on interaction with those objects. TIP: For stories that center around current movies or television shows, replicas of the characters can often be found in the toy department. These figurines make excellent props to use when telling or acting out the story.
Use of static display devices with four, six, eight, ten and sixteen messages offers excellent opportunities for spontaneous and interactive communication during shared reading. TIP: Utilize a communication display with symbols and messages that permits commenting and use of interjections while reading. A four place message device might have “Let me see, please.” “No, way.” “Cool!” “I like that.” Consider using the Cheap Talk 4 Square Direct #1392 or Cheap Talk 4 Inline Direct #3054 for commenting while reading. Remember that there is a large selection of Cheap Talks with various options to suit the access needs of the individual user. Create symbol overlays and messages that tell the story . TIP: When possible use the Cheap Talk 4 Inline Direct #3054 to support the left to right function of print .
Devices with eight, ten and sixteen and even thirty-two messages can provide opportunities for the AAC user to be very interactive in the shared reading process. Comprehensive overlays can be created for commenting about a story, providing opportunities for interjections and giving instructions. TIP: When possible, solicit the help of the AAC user in selecting messages to be used during reading time. With the larger number of message locations, it is also possible to create overlays and recorded messages that can tell a whole story. TIP: Remember to keep the left to right and top to bottom orientation when creating the overlay. TIP: It is not always possible to put the complete written text on each symbol when creating an overlay to read the book. Thus on the reverse side of the overlay, enter in order, the exact text that is to be recorded on each message cell on the device. This way the instructor will not have to have the book or decide what was supposed to be recorded for each symbol. TIP: Having devices with multiple levels can save time, by having different reading activities pre-programmed on different levels. Either the Cheap Talk 8 - 2 Level #2303 or Cheap Talk 8 – 6 Levels #2391 provide eight message systems with multiple levels.
The Laptop Communicator #7076 , the 7-Level Communication Builder #7075 & #7075B and the On-The-Go 7-Level Communication Builder #7075G are very versatile devices offering a wide variety of options for the AAC user. Each of these devices has seven levels that can be programmed with one to sixteen messages on each level and comes with key guards that separate message cells and accommodate the 1, 2, 4 , 8, or 16 message window settings. The device can be set up to utilize single messages such as used with a repeated line story as described above, or it can be programmed to tell a whole story using the 8 or 16 message window settings. The ease in programming, the versatility in window settings and the number of levels makes these devices very useful in settings where there are users with different communication levels. TIP: For ease in remembering the level on which the story was recorded; jot the level number on the story overlay.
The shared reading experience can provide opportunities for supporting both language development and generative communication. Vocabulary can be identified and a specific overlay developed for commenting, giving directions and asking questions during all reading experiences. To encourage spontaneous communication, the multiple message devices discussed above or the 32 Message Communicator with 6 Levels #3206 can be utilized. TIP: Make the commenting overlay multipurpose by utilizing vocabulary versatile enough for commenting in a number of situations. Having one multiuse overlay saves programming time while giving the AAC user ease in access to communication in many different settings.
Enabling Devices has products specifically designed to support literacy. The Book Talker #1506 supports independent book reading by letting the reader play pre-recorded messages by touching a target dot on any page of the book. TIP: The reader needs to be as independent as possible, but remember that a key factor in shared reading is the conversation that takes place around the story. The Talking Magic Roller #1652 is ideal for telling stories with five full minutes of recording time. It can be activated by rolling the cylinder through a slight touch or with a switch hit. TIP: Record a whole story on this device. Have one person activate the device while another person shows the appropriate page in the story.
Shared reading is a powerful experience that supports both receptive and expressive communication through interactions with others. Use of voice output during shared reading time can assist AAC users in learning, using and practicing communication skills. The multiplicity of devices offered by Enabling Devices affords a wide array of ways for AAC users to access and support literacy and communication.
The author is an AAC and AT Consultant. You can reach her at 919-471-2819 or libbyrush@aol.com .
Enabling Devices is a company dedicated to developing affordable learning and assistive devices to help people of all ages with disabling conditions.