July 17, 2024
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Communication Board, designed with accessibility for all in mind. People can now augment their communication by pointing to symbols with these new boards. Our Project Manager, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Communications team collaborated passionately to:
- Raise awareness about different ways people communicate.
- Create an engaging and fun space for everyone.
- Promote communication accessibility – so people have a variety of methods to express themselves in diverse ways.
St.Amant’s Communication Board aims to provide accessible communication and social language opportunities for everyone using our outdoor areas. We believe everyone has unique needs and the right to communicate in the way they choose!
People with complex communication needs or those who are non-speaking may benefit from an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) system. AAC systems enhance communication by offering alternatives to spoken language. One example is a Communication Board, which is designed with inclusion in mind and helps people access commonly used words, known as “core” words. Core vocabulary consists of a small number of high-frequency words that make up about 80% of our daily communication.
St. Amant’s Outdoor Core Boards support communication for various purposes, including requesting, commenting, instructing, questioning, and sharing opinions. Here is a short video to learn more about communication functions.
Learning to use AAC takes time, similar to learning a new language. You need to hear and practice the words many times before you can use them effectively. Don’t worry if it takes time to learn this board. The more you use it, the more quickly you’ll find the different symbols. Here is a short video to learn about modelling AAC.
Tips for using the Outdoor Core Board:
- Point to the symbols while you talk.
- Stick to key words. For example, say, “Stop,” “Your turn,” or “Do you want to go to the swing?” while pointing to “you,” “want,” “go,” and “swing.”
- Pause and allow time for the person to respond.
- Have fun! Communication should be enjoyable and engaging.
Thank you to the Thomas Sill Foundation and Supporters of the St.Amant Foundation for helping make this project possible.
For more information, please contact us here.
