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Family picnics were filled with tantrums until a choice board was added to help the child communicate. The choice board was attached to a wrist bracelet to make it portable. Pictures of foods and activities at the picnic were taught to the child at home. During the picnic, the child was able to...
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Pringles Torengos (the potato chips) come in a triangular shaped can. After eating the tortilla chips and cleaning the can, take the label off. Cut a piece of self-stick felt (available at Michaels or AC Moore) to cover the outside of the can. You now have a communication device or choice board....
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A mobile communication device can be made by attacking Velcro to any bracelet, belt or shirt tag. The photo or picture symbol can be simply placed on the Velcro and the child can walk with her hands free. This works well for children who are in the beginning stage of picture symbol use and are...
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Here’s a way to use the dial scanner to help children make choices during play. Hook up a very light-touch switch to the dial scanner. Prop the child’s arm to enable easy access. Use toys such as a Mr. Potato Head with pieces. Attach piece with Velcro onto the dial Plexiglas. You can add pieces as...
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Hook a bubble machine up to a switch. The child using the switch makes the bubbles, and it is everyone else's job to catch and pop them as fast as they can. Say, "hurry, hurry!" The child using the switch will have his hand slide off intermittently and may learn to wait till the other kids are...
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This game was created to help students identify different emotions and match them in the correct categories. A fruit/vegetable platter was used as the wheel of the game. In each section there is a different emotion card depicted using Boardmaker picture symbols. In the center of the wheel is a pile...
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In order to allow for communication opportunities, begin by recording different actions that young kids like to do (jump like a frog, turn around and around, sing a song, do a somersault, etc.). Have a child with a disability act as the group leader. The children form a semicircle around the group...
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Does your child fidget in his chair because his feet don't reach the floor and he doesn't have a good base of support? Then you need this easy homemade item. Just make a box out of wood and put holes in the top front big enough to fit the front legs of the chair in them (like a box to step up on...
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Trick or Treating is exciting for all children! Here are some ideas to have children participate in the activities. If the child is going out to trick or treat have them practice saying “trick or treat” and “thank you”. If the child is non-verbal have he or she carry a sign saying “trick or treat”...
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Handing out candy is a great way for children to see all the costumes and excitement of Halloween without the sometimes-overwhelming task of participating. If the child is able, have them hand out the candy. They can have a sign that says “Please take just one” or “Great Costumes”. If switches are...
