Tactile Symbols for Expressive Communication

Step 2: Build Comprehension

• Build Comprehension of Concrete Symbols

Systematically and consistently embed concrete tactile symbols into the child’s daily routines. For instance, prior to reading a book the child is presented with a tactile book symbol on foam core.

• Build Comprehension of Core Vocabulary Tactile Symbols

Begin to expose child to more abstract symbols, embedded into daily routines. First core vocabulary words may include: go, like, not, do, finished, help, it, make, more, on, open, turn, up. This webinar explains the use of core vocabulary tactile symbols:

Step 3: Make Tactile Symbols Available to Child for Expressive Communication Opportunities (Initiation and Choice Making)

Provide access to the concrete and core vocabulary symbols by having them readily available to the child. Some accessible options include:

• Velcro them on the wall on black felt or Veltex
• Have them available on a desk in an organized fashion
• Have a select number on felt mounted on the child’s wheelchair tray

Any time the child sustains their touch on a tactile symbol, removes it from it’s Velcro board or gives it to a communication partner, take this as a communication initiation and respond with meaning. For instance, if the child removes the “cracker” symbol from his/her board say, “It looks like you want crackers, let’s have some”

Step 4: Add Voice Output to Symbols

Adding voice output can help the child be a more active communicator with peers within the classroom setting. The Logan Prox Pad allows a child to initiate using tangible symbols equipped with sound tags, that when placed on the blue surface of the Prox Pad, will provide a recorded label. For instance, on the back of the “cracker” symbol a sound tag can be programmed that says “cracker” so that when the child puts the symbol on the Prox Pad this word it said aloud.