Functional Communication
Functional Communication
Embedded Files
Picture communication gives a voice to children who can’t reliably use words yet.
How it usually starts:
How it usually starts:
The child learns that handing over a picture gets them what they want.
Your child hands you a picture of a cookie → they get a cookie.
They hand you a picture of the bathroom → they’re telling you they need to use the bathroom.
They build a “communication book” full of picture cards (snacks, toys, activities, feelings, etc.).
Over time, they learn to make sentences with pictures (“I want + cookie”) and even answer questions.
Why it’s so helpful:
Why it’s so helpful:
It is concrete — pictures are easier for many kids to understand than spoken words.
It reduces frustration (and meltdowns) because the child can communicate clearly.
It can help spoken language develop later because the child is practicing the idea of communicating first.
2026 -27 PECS Pictures Handout.pdfPrint Me!
Speech Generating Apps At-a-Glance
Speech Generating Apps At-a-Glance
LAMP
At-a-Glance
Proloquo2Go
At-a-Glance
TD Snap
At-a-Glance
TouchChat
At-a-Glance
Speech Generating App Resources
Speech Generating App Resources
LAMP
LAMP
LAMP Words for Life® Resources
Parent Company: PRC-Saltillo
LAMP Words for Life is a robust language system that combines the power of PRC’s Unity® language system and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP™) approach. It includes developmentally progressive vocabulary files and features to scaffold language learning from each individual's current skill level with a clear path for unlimited language growth. The app is symbol based but the symbols are paired with text to support literacy development.
Programming Support
LAMP WFL Tutorials on YouTube (Official PRC-Saltillo Account)
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2go Resources
Parent Company: AssistiveWare
We’re not just a company; we’re on a social mission to build a more inclusive world. A world where people who cannot use speech to communicate can fully participate in society. What sets us apart is that we dare to go our own way with a relentless focus on social change and strong personal connections to our user community.
Programming Support
Proloquo2Go Help Overview (Start here to see all support topics on left side of website)
Backup Proloquo2Go via student Gmail
Other specific topics:
Search for a button or folder on the device
Add a button in edit mode
Make a new folder in edit mode
Prioritize buttons in a folder—Edit mode: primary level, secondary level, storage
Change a word’s pronunciation—Adjust pronunciation for voice output
Folder Layout Options—Manual layout for all grid sizes
Typing View—Typing: qwerty keyboard; Keyboard: ABC screen
Progressive Language—Choose how many buttons the student sees by going up in steps (recommended over continually increasing grid size)
Add a second language to your user
TD Snap
TD Snap
TDSnap Resources
Parent Company: Tobii Dynavox
Tobii Dynavox is a global, full-service provider of groundbreaking communication solutions for people with disabilities. Our solutions are purpose-built for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) yet designed to be customized. This makes it possible for clinicians to set goals for their clients and adapt our assistive communication solutions to meet their changing needs over time.
Programming Support
Spanish Resources
Videos de inicio rápido de TD Snap
TouchChat
TouchChat
TouchChat Resources
Parent Company: PRC-Saltillo
Communicating with the world around you is challenging when you have difficulty speaking with your natural voice. Using the familiarity of iOS technology, the TouchChat app offers you a dynamic communication solution with easy-to-customize features and a wide range of vocabularies, languages, and voices.
Programming Support
English TouchChat App User Guide
English TouchChat App Quick Reference Guide
English TouchChat App Backup Quick Reference Guide
English WordPower Vocabulary Manual for TouchChat App and NovaChat Devices
English WordPower Vocabulary Quick Reference Guide
Spanish Resources
Spanish TouchChat App User Guide
Spanish TouchChat App Quick Reference Guide
Spanish TouchChat App Backup Quick Reference Guide
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