Nicole+Brunelle

Communication -Board/book with pictures, objects, letters, and words. -Simple output device

Disability- Communication Disorder Products- Picture This Communication Website- [] Why needed- Helps improve the quality of life for people with communication disorders // Picture This Communication // has developed a tool that facilitates open dialogue with individuals who have difficulty with word recall, word formation, and word association. Picture this improves the quality of life for people with communication disorders. It allows them to reduce the risk of social isolation and enhance communication. It increases functional communication skills. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Link www.pecs.com Description- A tool used for basic communication. One example of a PECS is a stack of individual picture cards with the word of the item written at the top of the card. The cards are whole punched and attached with a metal ring. If the child wants a banana, they can show their caregiver or teacher the drawing of the banana. This provides a way for the child to communicate without frustration and enables them to be the one initiating the communication exchange. Starter Kit ($170) additional books and materials range from $10-150.

The Mayer-Johnson software program Link http://www.mayer-johnson.com/default.aspx

Description- Boardmaker, is a user-friendly program for both adults and children (18). The program offers a 3,000 Picture Communication Symbol (PCS) library in either black/white or color, and can be accompanied by any written word/message. The symbols can be made in any size, and tend to be universally understood. They present a relatively clear, 'uncluttered' representation and remove any ambiguity, which can sometimes arise when using photographs, especially personally-made photographs. ($259 and up) Typically, children with Autism process visual information easier than auditory information. Boardmaker is used to deliver information to their strongest processing area (visual). Also some children with autism are unable to communicate and often need communication devices to help them communicate.

[]