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Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS) is an AAC technique in which a communication partner(s) assists students with severe physical impairments and/or visual issues by listing or “scanning” through possible choices. PAS may be used for a student who does not yet have an established means of alternative access (i.e. switch scanning, eye gaze selection). It can also be an alternative communication system if a student's primary system is unavailable, not functioning, or the student is fatigued.
Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS) is an AAC technique in which a communication partner(s) assists students with severe physical impairments and/or visual issues by listing or “scanning” through possible choices. PAS may be used for a student who does not yet have an established means of alternative access (i.e. switch scanning, eye gaze selection). It can also be an alternative communication system if a student's primary system is unavailable, not functioning, or the student is fatigued.
PAS requires a communication partner who presents choices to the student. The choices can be objects, photos, pictures, concrete and abstract symbols, or written word. The presentation of choices can be visual, auditory, tactile or a combination of modalities.
PAS requires a communication partner who presents choices to the student. The choices can be objects, photos, pictures, concrete and abstract symbols, or written word. The presentation of choices can be visual, auditory, tactile or a combination of modalities.
Watch this video to get a clear description of the technique and some good examples.
How does a student indicate a choice?
How does a student indicate a choice?
The student makes a choice by indicating "Yes."
Yes” can be relayed a number of ways including an eye blink, sign, eye gaze, vocalization, thumbs up, head movement, or activating a single cell voice output switch.
If the student does not have a consistent “Yes” review the student's voluntary and involuntary actions. Based upon the review select one action and assign it "Yes" meaning. During PAS this action will be the student's "Yes."
"No” is not required but if present will allow the student to control the presentation time of each item. When a student indicates "No" the communication partner moves to the next choice.
Remember students with severe limitations may fatigue quickly if a “Yes” and “No” is required during the presentation of each choice.
How to Start PAS With an Emergent Communicator for Choice Making
How to Start PAS With an Emergent Communicator for Choice Making
1. Complete a motivation/reinforcer inventory.
2. Determine how many items will be presented to the student. Consider starting with a preferred and non-preferred item when first teaching PAS.
3. Alert the student to the topic .
4. State the number of choices and verbally and visually present each choice.
5. Alert the student the choices will be repeated and he/she will now make a choice by indicating "Yes."
6. Present each choice waiting five seconds between each presentation to see if the student indicates a "Yes."
7. Reply immediately when the student indicates "Yes" by restating the choice and giving the item.
What do I do if the student doesn't make a choice on the first cycle?
What do I do if the student doesn't make a choice on the first cycle?
Cycle through the choices two more times.
On the last cycle add in a choice, "I want more choices" or "None of these."
Present the choices a third time.
If the student selects "I want more choices"provide options.
If the student does not select "I want more choices" alert him/her to the fact you are going to help make a choice and pick one!
Click on the button to watch a video from Project Core explaining Partner Assisted Scanning.
Can a communication board or book be used for PAS?
Can a communication board or book be used for PAS?
As a student's abilities to focus and follow an increasing number of choices improves the amount of vocabulary should be increased. As more choices are presented the student's ability to produce a "No" response helps facilitate communication. In the following video the student is being trained to respond Yes and No to choices.
Using PODD with Partner Assisted Scanning
Often to decrease fatigue and improve Yes/No responses a student will use a switch to activate a voice output device. Click this link to watch a video where a PODD book is being presented using Partner Assisted Scanning. The "Yes" and "No" responses are being produced by the student using a switch to activate single cell voice output devices (i.e. Big Macks).
Partner Assisted Scanning can also be an alternative pencil when used with alphabet board. This will allow a student to select letters and dictate words and/or sentences. The following video explains and demonstrates this method:
For students with strong literacy skills, do not automatically complete their word(s) as they spell. Allow them to complete their own words and sentences without intervening. If word completion is provided by the communication partner, one must gauge the appropriateness of doing so given the activity (are they being assessed for literacy or is this a conversation with a peer) and also obtain permission from the student to do so. If you are unsure what to do, do not provide word completion.
Have the student's spelling visible to them as the progress so they do not lose track of which letter they are on. As each letter is selected, the communication partner can write with a dry erase marker or with pen and paper to make it visible to the student.
Resources
Resources
Click on button or image to access
Click on button or image to access
Link to Project Core's 9 page universal core partner-assisted communication book with 4 words/symbols on each page. Can be printed as a PDF or with Boardmaker Studio.
Check out this one page handout from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Center for Literacy and Disabilities Studies
Directions and printable copy of Alternative Pencil for Auditory Plus Visual Scanning Upper Case Alphabet by Linda Burkhart
Directions and printable copy of Alternative Pencil for Auditory Plus Visual Scanning Lower Case Alphabet by Linda J. Burkhart
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