

"This board provides an open forum for individuals implementing PECS to post questions and concerns. Pyramid's Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) eGroup at Yahoo Pyramid Educational Consultants - PECS - USA Picture Exchange Communication System - PECS This list is to offer support and ideas to parents, teachers, and SLPs that use it with their children or students."
Music boardmaker software#
"Boardmaker is a (Mayer Johnson) software program that uses clip art of picture communication symbols which are used in creating printed communication boards, device overslays, worksheets, and schedules. TEAL at Yahoo Groups - Technology in Education for All Learners "We don't need a speech device - I know what my child is trying to say." Put down that iPad, pick up that PECS box?Ĭommunicating With Kids With Autism: Pictures Are Better Than Sign Language (STUDY)Įxploring and designing technology solutions

Music boardmaker how to#
How to use AAC, Augmentative Communication Boards Consult early intervention or special education specialists, therapists and consultants who have been trained in the use of PECS, Makaton or Boardmaker products, and parents whose children use alternative means to communicate.īrowse at websites, catalogs, local bookstores and internet retailers for information about Boardmaker, Makaton and PECS products to find ideas on how to make communication cards or boards for your child to enjoy at home, school or in the community. Strengthening relationships with our children who have communication challenges may be the greatest gift that results from all our efforts.īrowse online retailers, bookstores, family support or disability advocacy websites to find more information on use of pictures and symbols for alternative or augmentive communication. Investing in Boardmaker, PECS or other software is not a guarantee that professionals or parents can quickly discover how a child might benefit most through the use of cards, schedules, communication boards or electronic devices.įamilies who have developed communication materials, teaching strategies or picture-based cards and boards for their own sons and daughters often create online communities to discuss options and alternatives with other parents and advocates about encouraging communication, social interaction and learning as children are growing up.Ĭonnecting with other families and professionals increases the opportunities our sons and daughters have to interact with us and express themselves so that we know them better. There are communities of parents and professionals who share the strategies and supports that have been of greatest benefits for children and teens in all aspects of their lives. Symbols and clip art for PECS, Makaton and the wonderful Boardmaker programs are communication alternatives that help teach reading and other lessons as well providing opportunities for our children to engage in a great variety of social interactions. Alternate forms of communication allow them to focus on goals, interests and destinations that disregard the convenience, expense and comfort level of adult caregivers and educators so they can plan and dream like their mainstream peers. Symbols and pictures may allow them to see alternatives that we may not have considered offering them, and help them make choices that develop their confidence, joy, and pride. They are also helpful in educational settings for expressing comprehension and progress torward academic goals, and in easing transitions by providing visual representations that support the need for reassurance of structure and routine that are comforting to most children.Ĭhildren who have no way to communicate except through their behavior are often relieved to learn alternative ways to disagree, object or express their frustration.

These systems are useful for those who do not use speech as their primary form of communication as well as those who are temporarily unable to speak. The use of standardized picture communication cards and communication boards available through well thought-out graphics programs like Boardmaker, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or Makaton symbols offer wonderful opportunities to children and adults who rely on low-tech cards or boards or electronic systems for functional communication. Children with communication delays, articulation challenges or developmental disabilities deserve every opportunity to make their needs, interests and preferences known.
