Introduction

Everyone Communicates

Behavior as communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communications

Supporting communication

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Many students with disabilities communicate in various ways. We have discussed those ways of communicating in section Everyone Communicates. How can we support students who are using these different forms of communication? First, we need to be aware of how each student communicates. We need to continuously monitor their behavior, checking to see if they are using nonsymbolic ways to communicate something. We also need to make sure that those around the students know and understand how they communicate so that they can interact with them in a meaningful way. If students do not have a way to communicate that benefits them, we may need to look at their abilities and try to find some ways to teach them to communicate. We might need to teach them to use picture communication cards, sign language, or a communication device.
           
Even though a student has a way to communicate, that student may not use it when he or she needs to.  Communication must also be taught in meaningful way.  If you are teaching a student to use picture communication cards and you ask that student what he or she wants, when that student touches or gives you the picture for cookies, you must give the student the cookie.  This teaches the student that communicating with the cards does work and the student gets what he or she wants. 
           
Communication also needs to be taught throughout the day.  Students must be taught how to use it in a variety of environments and with a variety of people.  They might use signs to ask for a spoon at breakfast, for a pencil in math class, or for a drink during physical education class.  Students must always have a means to communicate with them at all times and others should know how they use it.  If the student has no way to communicate, that student may become frustrated and communicate in an inappropriate way. 

Now that you have finished this unit on communication, you have just scratched the surface of one of the most important and far-reaching topic in the education of students with moderate and severe disabilities.  The importance of this topic cannot be overstated.  Many people regard the ability to communicate as the basic function that differentiates human being from the other species on this planet.  This is why enhancing communication is usually the first priority in the education of any student who does not use standard forms of communication.  Our system of communication is the way we each reach out and connect with the people around us. 

As you take the quiz on this unit think about the importance of this topic.  Meet with your teacher to consider the design of a communication tool as a final project.

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