Unlocking Expression: The Magic of Picture Communication Boards
Understanding Communication Boards
Why Communication Tools Matter
Communication boards are a game-changer for folks who can’t speak or have trouble with verbal communication. They’re a lifeline, especially for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research shows that about 25-35% of these kids are nonverbal or have undeveloped language skills. With a picture communication board, users can tell you what they need, what they like, and how they feel.
But wait, there’s more! These boards do more than just help people talk. They give users more independence, help them practice advanced communication skills, and keep them safe by letting them explain what’s going on around them. In short, these tools make life better and help people connect with others.
| Why Communication Boards Rock |
|---|
| Help express needs right away |
| Boost independence |
| Teach advanced skills |
| Keep users safe and help them speak up |
Different Kinds of Communication Boards
Communication boards come in all shapes and sizes, depending on how they’re made, the tech they use, and what they’re for. Here are some common types:
| Type of Communication Board | What’s It Like? |
|---|---|
| Low-Tech Boards | Simple, paper-based boards with pictures and words. Easy to make and use right away. |
| High-Tech Boards | Fancy electronic devices like tablets and smartphones with special software. |
| Symbol-Based Boards | Use symbols or images to represent words, so users can pick pictures to say what they mean. |
| Text-Based Boards | Have written words or phrases, perfect for those who can read but have trouble speaking. |
You can mix and match letters, images, and core words to make a board that fits someone’s needs. These boards can help different groups, like kids with autism, stroke patients.
Knowing why communication boards are important and the different types out there helps teachers, speech therapists, and caregivers support people in improving their communication skills. If you’re curious about other ways to help, check out aac communication board options.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
What’s PECS All About?
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a game-changer for folks who struggle with verbal communication, especially those on the autism spectrum. Imagine being able to express your needs and wants just by swapping picture cards. That’s PECS in a nutshell. It empowers users to kickstart conversations, making them more independent and helping them build real-world communication skills. With over 190 studies backing it up, PECS isn’t just a fad—it’s the real deal PECS USA.
PECS isn’t picky about age or condition. Whether it’s Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or bouncing back from a stroke or brain injury, PECS can help. It’s straightforward enough that anyone can get the hang of it, making it a go-to for boosting communication.
The Six Steps of PECS
PECS breaks down into six steps, each one building on the last to make communication smoother and more complex. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Phase | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Swap a single picture card for something you want. |
| Phase 2 | Start using multiple picture cards in different places. |
| Phase 3 | Put together simple sentences with picture cards. |
| Phase 4 | Use a communication book or board to find and swap pictures. |
| Phase 5 | Use pictures to talk about more abstract stuff. |
| Phase 6 | Comment and answer questions with picture cards. |
This step-by-step method doesn’t just help with talking—it gets people interacting and making friends. Want to know more about how PECS can fit specific needs? Check out communication boards for autism or communication boards for stroke patients.
Real-Life PECS Stories
Take Sarah, a 10-year-old with autism. Before PECS, she struggled to tell her parents what she wanted, leading to frustration for everyone. After just a few months with PECS, Sarah could ask for her favorite snacks and even tell her parents when she wanted to play outside. Her newfound ability to communicate brought a sense of calm and happiness to her home.
Or consider John, a stroke survivor. He lost his ability to speak but found a new way to communicate through PECS. By using picture cards, John could express his needs and feelings, making his recovery journey a bit easier and less isolating.
Why PECS Works
PECS works because it’s simple and effective. It doesn’t require fancy gadgets or complicated setups. All you need are some picture cards and a willingness to learn. Plus, it’s flexible enough to grow with the user, adapting to their changing needs and abilities.
So, if you’re looking for a way to help someone communicate better, give PECS a shot. It’s a proven method that can make a world of difference.
Making Communication Boards That Work
Creating a communication board that really helps people takes some thought and the right tools. Let’s break down what you need to think about and the software that can make it easier.
What to Think About
When you’re putting together a communication board, you need to keep a few things in mind to make sure it’s useful and easy to use. Here are some key points:
| What to Think About | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Symbols | Pick symbols that match any high-tech devices the user might have. This keeps things consistent. |
| Grid Size | Choose the grid size based on where the board will be used. Smaller grids are good for personal use, while bigger ones work better in group settings. |
| Keyboard | Decide if the user needs a keyboard. It can make typing messages easier. |
| Button Messages | Keep button messages short and clear. For new users, simple messages work best. |
| Button Placement | Put buttons in predictable spots. This helps users find and use them more easily. |
These tips will help you make a board that fits the user’s needs. For specific uses, like for autism or stroke patients, you might need to make some extra tweaks.
Software to Help You Out
There are lots of software options to help you create communication boards. Each one has its own features and pricing. Here’s a look at some popular choices:
| Software | What It Offers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boardmaker | Big symbol library, customizable boards, and templates. | Subscription |
| Chat Editor | Easy to use, supports text-to-speech. | Free and paid versions |
| Cboard | Online tool, supports many languages. | Free |
| Lesson Pix | Lots of symbols and templates for schools. | Subscription |
| PICTO4me | Customizable symbols. | Subscription |
| SymbolStix PRIME | Focus on education and therapy. | Subscription |
| Smarty Symbols | Wide range of symbols and templates. | Subscription |
You can also find free pre-made boards from places like Lingraphica, Talk to Me Technologies, and AssistiveWare. These can be great for teachers and healthcare workers who need quick solutions.
By thinking about these design tips and using the right software, you can make communication boards that really help people. For more info, check out our articles on AAC communication boards or boards for aphasia.
Making Communication Boards Work for Everyone
Picture communication boards can be game-changers for folks with limited language skills. These handy tools can be used just about anywhere, making them super useful for teachers, therapists, and caregivers.
Where to Use Them
Communication boards shine in all sorts of places like homes, schools, and hospitals. Each spot has its own needs, and these boards can be tweaked to fit right in.
| Place | Perks |
|---|---|
| Home | Help family members understand what the user wants or needs. |
| School | Let students express themselves, making learning more fun and interactive. |
| Healthcare | Help doctors and nurses understand nonverbal patients better (Healthline). |
In schools, these boards help kids talk about what they need and want, boosting their language skills and helping them make friends. In hospitals, they make sure that even nonverbal patients can share important info with their caregivers.
Teaching and Encouraging Use
Getting folks to use these boards takes a bit of creativity. Here are some tips:
- Show How It’s Done: Use the board yourself during everyday activities so users can see how it works.
- Make It Fun: Turn learning into a game or role-play to keep things interesting.
- Celebrate Wins: Praise users when they use the board correctly to keep them motivated.
Creating a supportive environment helps users feel more confident and independent. This boost in confidence can lead to better social interactions and more autonomy.
For people with specific needs, like those with autism or speech impairments, custom boards can make a big difference. Check out more about specialized boards for different needs, like communication boards for autism or communication boards for stroke patients.
Using communication boards not only helps users express themselves but also makes their lives richer by improving interactions and understanding in different settings.
