SSD Visual supports toolbox

The goal of this project is to provide SSD classroom staff with equitable access to individualized visual supports for students that can be presented in a predictable and consistent manner and can move with the student as they transition between grades.

This toolbox includes the following: CLASS EXPECTATIONS, TOKEN ECONOMY, COUNTDOWN, CHOICE BOARD, SCHEDULE/FIRST-THEN, COMMUNICATION CORE BOARD + FEELINGS BOARD, and OPTIONAL REGULATION STRATEGIES TOOLBOX.

We welcome any feedback you can provide once you and your teams have had the opportunity to implement these tools.

Please message Lesley McGilligan and/or Jenifer Davis with questions.

SSD Visual supports toolbox

Overview

Please watch this overview video of the Visual Supports Toolbox.

Visual Supports Toolbox in Action

Take a look at what's inside.

IMG_6379.mov

The last page of the book contains QR codes that link to short, instructional videos that can be found below.

Use these videos to orient new staff, subs, and paraprofessionals re: how to use these visual strategies to support student engagement.

Materials needed to create your toolbox:

Binder
Card Stock
Lamination
Velcro
Pencil pouch to hold your extra manipulatives
Printed files below. Book Base + Manipulatives*

Binders and Velcro can be ordered from the SSD Warehouse.

The IRC can laminate, but it's not the thickest, so you may prefer to laminate your pages sheet by sheet.

The SSD Print Shop can print on cardstock. They can also spiral bound books if you prefer not to use a binder.

*Please note printing directions (1 sided for manipulatives vs 2 sided for book base).

To print a PDF of the non-customized file:

(No Boardmaker Required) - Read this document for printing directions.

1. Print PDF of Toolbox Book BASE -

This is the base of your book. It is double sided. It should not need to be customized.

Print this PDF double-sided on cardstock, laminate, and attach velcro to all of the blank areas provided for symbols to be placed.

2025 SSD Visual Supports Toolbox BASE w QR Codes.pdf

2. Print PDF of Generic MANIPULATIVES -

These are the manipulatives - symbols, tokens, etc. for your toolbox. It is single sided. See below for directions re: customization.

Print single-sided on cardstock, laminate, attach Velcro.

To customize these manipulatives (tokens, reinforcers, classes, etc.) for your students, see the files below in either Boardmaker or Google Slides.

2025 SSD Visual Supports Toolbox Manipulatives.pdf

when you are ready TO customizE...

IDEALLY, THESE TOOLS SHOULD BE CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR STUDENT.

Consider customizing: Your Class Rules, Your Student's Tokens, Reinforcers, Classes, & Related Services.

Lean in to their preferred interests, topics, and characters.

Customize your Toolbox and Manipulatives in Boardmaker here.

Please note the printing directions in the description.

Given its layout, the base of the book is to be printed double sided, the manipulatives are printed single sided.

No Boardmaker?🫣

We don't want that to be a barrier. Customize your manipulatives in Google Slides here.

*However, please take a Boardmaker class when you can so you have access to consistent symbols. It's an amazing tool for every SSD classroom.

Optional regulation page to add to your toolbox:

Print a PDF of the Zones Version

Print a PDF of the Generic Regulation Version

If you are supporting students with regulation and/or sensory* needs, you can add this Regulation toolbox to your binder. Choose Zones of Regulation or Generic Regulation Format. As always, we suggest your customize the options for your student(s).

Customizable Boardmaker file

Customizable file in Google Slides

*Always collaborate with your OT for students with Sensory Processing issues to determine relevant strategies.

instructional Demonstration videos

Share these videos with classroom staff to familiarize them with the visual support strategies being utilized in the classroom.

The videos on the left are more in-depth recorded slide deck presentations.

The videos on the right are linked to the QR codes in the toolbox and give a quick idea of implement the tool in the classroom.

EXPECTATIONS/TOKEN BOARD

Token Boards Slides .webm

VS Toolbox-Token Board_Class Rules

Helpful Tip: Ideas for Customizing Token Boards for your Students

COUNTDOWN

Visual Countdown Slides.webm

VS Toolbox-Countdown

CHOICE BOARD

Choice Boards Toolbox .webm

VS Toolbox - Choice Board.mov

SCHEDULE/FIRST-THEN BOARD

Visual Schedules for VS Series .pptx

First Then Boards .webm

VS Toolbox-Schedule_FirstThen

SCHEDULE/FIRST-THEN

COMMUNICATION CORE BOARD

Communication Core Board - Slides .webm

VS Toolbox-Comm board with audio.MOV

FEELINGS BOARD

Feelings Board - Slides.webm

VS Toolbox-Feelings Board

Explore the other tabs on this site for additional ways to use visual supports with your students.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Consider taking the class "Using Visual Supports to Maximize Student Engagement" with

Lesley McGilligan and Julie Osherow. Register in Kickup.

As we like to say, "Keep your friends close and your visuals closer."

We need your feedback! If you are using this tool, please take a moment to complete this SURVEY so we can make improvements.

This resource was designed by Lesley McGilligan, Aug. Comm. Facilitator and Jen Davis, AU EPS.

Questions? Contact Lesley McGilligan (lmcgilligan@ssdmo.org) and Jen Davis (JLDavis@ssdmo.org).

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