|
There are many simple voice output communication aids devices these days, frequently used in schools to stimulate
 and develop early level communication and to enable participation for non-speaking children.
Are we making full use of them?
 Often I go to schools and find that the BIGmack in the classroom is always programmed with the same message, something like “Good Morning. I’m here. So far so good. But, hey, wait a minute -how often can someone use that message appropriately? Only once a day maximum!
 Similarly, with a snack or drink activity – many people programme the BIGmack to say something like 'it’s snack time!' or ‘drink please’ . But what happens next? The child hits the BIGmack once. He/ she is given his/her snack / drink. End of story. Better by far to programme the device to say “more please” and to give the snack or drink in carefully controlled tiny steps (divide it into small chunks / sips and take it away after each) so that to finish it completely the child has to hit the message device up to 10 or 20 times. This is the way to make use of the message routine and automatic.
The idea of these devices is that they can and should be re-programmed repeatedly throughout the day so that the child is supplied with a wide range of different messages, allowing him / her to participate actively in every activity throughout the day. Messages are meant above all to stimulate interaction. Messages can be so motivating that all the children want to use them, not just the communication–impaired child.
But it’s sometimes hard to scrape up sparkling new ideas, especially when you are tired or in a rush. Use other peoples ideas! We have! Rather than re-invent the wheel, here are some web site links that will take you to compilations of other peoples’ excellent ideas of ways to use a BIGMack or equivalent single message device.
 A compilation of ideas suitable for use with a BIGmack or other single message communicators
Ideas for a single message VOCA
http://www.ace-north.org.uk/Images/Ideas%20for%20single%20message%20VOCA.pdf
BIGmack/LITTLEmack
http://www.ablenetinc.com/PDF/BIGmack.pdf
Ideas for Using the BIGmack
http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/activities/activity.asp?activity=117
Happy interaction - have fun!
|
