Partner Assisted Scanning

Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS) is a technique that allows a communication partner to present choices to a child one option at a time. For children with dual sensory impairments and complex motor needs this procedure allows the child to gather information about each option presented in a systematic way, so that they can make an informed decision. Additionally, it allows children who communicate in subtle ways an opportunity to confirm or refuse an option offered using their body, facial expressions, voice or gestures.

Within the PAS procedure information can be provided to the child in a variety of ways that best meets their own sensory needs. For example, if a communication partner is offering a young child with CVI and moderate hearing loss toy choices they may use the touch-listen-look method:

• Touch: Allow child to touch the object (use hand-under-hand as needed)
• Listen: Allow child to hear the sound the object makes (move it by her/his ear)
• Look: Present the object for her/him to look at by presenting in her/his best visual field, allow wait time for visual latency

This method allows the child to get information about the object one sense at a time. As a second example, consider a child with a significant vision loss, a mild hearing loss, and tactile defensiveness who has shown the most curiosity and attention with her/his auditory system. This child may be presented with information just using the auditory pathway. For instance, when presenting toy choices this child may hear the sound the toy makes and hear the label (e.g. "drum") and not be provided with the other sensory input.

Additionally, a child who is using Tactile Symbols can also make choices between Tactile Symbols using the PAS procedure. For more information about Tactile Symbols see the "Supporting Expressive Communication" page.

Partner Assisted Scanning can be used with concrete representations (objects) all the way up to abstract symbols (visual icons, verbal words, etc) and is an appropriate communication access for many children with complex bodies.

Above is a video created by Cincinatti Children's Center outlining some basic information about Partner Assisted Scanning

Partner Assisted Scanning with CoreScanner Flip and Talk Communication Book