Departments

Assistive Technology

Communication Tools

Augmentative and alternative communication is a term used to describe items that are used to help a person communicate when their spoken communication is not effective. There are many items and devices that can be used to help increase or "augment" a person's ability to communicate. These include pictures, symbols, and printed words. They may simply be printed on pieces of paper or cardboard or used on a computer or special dedicated device. 

The Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) is typically the most knowledgeable service provider in the area of Augmentative/Alternative Communication.

Assistive technology devices that may help a student with communication:

ABLEDATA- a free searchable database of assistive technology products

Clock Communicator

• Enabling Devices clock communicators

Communication Board

• Creating Literature Based Communication Boards
• Speaking of Speech Materials Exchange
• Do To Learn
• Triangular communication board 
• Visual Schedule Systems

Eye-gaze

Picture Communication Symbol

• Boardmaker by Mayer-Johnson
• Boardmaker Activity Sharing
• Boardmaker Resources
  

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• PECS Pictures and Links

Photograph Communication Symbol

• Picture This
  

Speech Generating Devices (SGDs)

• BIGmack and BIG Step-by-Step communicators, LITTLEmack and  LITTLE Step-by-Step communicators, etc.
• Dynamic Display Augmentative Communication Devices and Software
• DynoVox products (V, Vmax, EyeMax System, M³, Palmtop³)
• Fl4sh scanning communicator
• Go-Talk
• Make it yourself and Workshop handouts from Linda Burkhart
• Prentke Romich SGDs (SpringBoard Plus, SpringBoard Lite, Vantage Plus, Vantage Lite, Vanguard Plus, ECO, ECOpoint, ChatBox)
• Saltillo SGDs (ALT-Chat, Chat PC)
• Tech/Talk
• Tech/Speak