Make a Communication book
You will need:
1 A5 ringbinder - you can get these at Ryman's either instore or online.
Some dividers
hook & loop sticky tape or circles - available in the Web Store
make these strips for the front -communication strips.pdf Print and laminate them.
Put your file together by adding hook & loop ( laminating the dividers is a good idea for making them stronger and wipeable) to the inside dividers - you can sort the symbols into categories by writing on the little tabs. Add some hook & loop to the front cover and use the downloaded strips for requests e.g. "I want drink" by using symbols, symbols/words.
One of those clear, strong plastic envelopes with a zipper or popper from any stationary shop is good to use at the back of the folder, for storing extra symbols. Just hole punch it at the middle, bottom to fit it in. zipper bag Envelope with popper
Now you just need the symbols!
Free software that is great for making resources!
I have found some free software to make your own charts, schedules and symbol cards and it works well with the ISPEEK CDs or pictures/photos of your own.
Download or read my instruction booklet here Pageplus SE instructions.pdf and you can download the software here The Software
If you can use Microsoft Word, you can master this.
If you would like a couple of basic templates to start you off, I would be happy to email them to you.
A few more tips for making your own resources
The following tips are for making your own resources for communication. They are to support any approach you are using. 1. Making the resources age appropriate and specific/meaningful to the individual. This could be done by including a favourite TV or book character: using gift wrap as a background for schedules that the person likes, Sizing the pictures/symbols for discretion if the person is older ( bearing in mind the level of understanding and the size of the picture needed ). The person's name or photograph can also be added. Look through Google images and save appropriate pictures to your PC. 2. Making them look as good and up to date as possible: Everyone wants to be using nice things. Using bought files, wallets and key rings to put together some trendy and discreet visual prompts. There are lots of trendy accessories in the shops that can be utilized, including belt bags, keyrings, wallets and personal organisers. This can be a big motivator: If your child is presented with a nice new pack to use, they are more likely to want to do it. 3. Search the web for images ( look at the useful websites part of these pages for other sources of symbols ) to use - and investing in a digital camera means you can photograph everything familiar to the person. You get a clearer picture if you photograph as many things as possible, using a white background. Try to take the pictures outside on a clear day. If you are photographing small objects, just place something white under/behind it for the background. Avoid direct sunlight as it will cause glare on the glass of the camera or shiny surfaces of the objects. For larger objects you could drape a sheet over the fence or washing line. Of course, this is not possible with everything. Have a look at these pages for sources of free symbols Trainland Tripod Images | This site also has excellent booklets to download that explain using visual supports Communication People The larger stationary stores are great for:- Laminators, Look out for offers on this kind of thing in Aldi,Lidl and Netto. Laminating pouches 200 micron are best. This thickness is great even if you laminate paper instead of having to stick pictures on card. You can also buy laminating pouches that do not need heat to seal them ( taking away the need to buy a laminator). The larger stationary stores should stock these. W.H.Smith sell business card holder files that can be used for holding symbols, these are excellent for older people who use visual prompts because they look very swish. They sell extra inner pages too. Hobbycraft and John Lewis sell blank perspex key rings for you to insert particular wording or symbols a person may need. They are invaluable for discreet prompts e.g. addres’s, phone numbers or picture prompts Timpsons key shops sell springy key rings ( similar to the one in my Web Store ) for tucking into a pocket, trouser clips and blank perspex key rings. They are decent quality too, because some of the cheaper versions can easily break. Muji have a few pocket size files/holders to store symbols and they look really cool. You can buy hook & loop fastener cheaper from sewing stalls on markets unless you have a sewing shop near you (they are becoming a rarity).Tesco also stock it in the buttons/sewing thread section. Wilkinsons and the bargain/pound shops stock items like filofax, plastic wallets, diaries and useful stationary at great prices. |
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| It is always worth searching the web for all of these items by typing in the name of what you are looking for into a search engine. Ebay is another place to search. Spotted on the market stalls that sell bags/handbags etc: trendy credit card holders/wallets and purses for male & female that look great for carrying visual prompts. Some have a ring that could be attached to a springy belt clip or trouser clip.
Please note: The above tips are for making resources for your home/School/College or Provision for people with SEN and not to be used as a source of profit making on Ebay or anywhere else. |
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