5 LOW- OR NO-TECH

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

Assistive technology doesnt have to be high-tech!
Here are 5 great examples of easy-to-use, low-tech or no-tech
AT tools that help build childrens communication skills.

AT TOOL AT TOOL AT TOOL AT TOOL AT TOOL

Communication Visual scene Communication Activity board Clock scanning
photographs icons with communicators
printed label

WHAT IT IS WHAT IT IS WHAT IT IS WHAT IT IS WHAT IT IS

Individual digital Large photograph Individual icons Various sizes and Visual display of
photos of actual of a familiar printed on single numbers of photos communication
items, people, environment laminated cards and icons choices on a clear
actions, places, (laminated or displayed on a plastic clock face.
and feelings of preserved with HOW TO board
childs page protector) USE IT HOW TO
environment.
Select the
HOW TO USE IT
HOW TO appropriate icon USE IT Attach selected
HOW TO USE IT cards for the child. Position core objects/photos/
USE IT Introduce the words in the same icons on clock
Position card in
Select the appro- photo prior to an place on repeated face.
front of object to
priate number and activity boards to show
link icon and Child controls the
size of photos for steps of activities
Preview what the object. pointer with the
the child. in sequence
child will see, do, touch of a switch
Position photo in and experience HOW IT HELPS Use aided until the desired
front of object to Represents language symbol is reached.
Review after the
link symbol and objects, actions, stimulation to
activity to create a
object.
story about it people, and other highlight words HOW IT HELPS
vocabulary in a Wait for childs Great way to
HOW IT HELPS higher level of communicate
HOW IT HELPS response
Links to objects symbolic choices and
Depicts actions,
in environment representation. HOW IT HELPS desires
people, and
to build
interactions in Supports
communicative
context, to help comprehension
intent.
the child build and expressive
Reinforces familiar vocabulary language
receptive vocabu- beyond nouns.
lary and introduces
novel words.

1 2 3 4 5
Adapted from Assistive Technology for Young
Children: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments,

1-800-638-3775 by Kathleen Curry Sadao, Ed.D., & Nancy B.

Robinson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. Learn more and read a
Q&A with the author at http://www.brookespublish-
www.brookespublishing.com ing.com/assistive-technology-young-children.