Pictorial Communication: Making it happen

Session

6.6

Personal Experience

    • Christine Fincham

Summary

To explain the elements required to motivate quality communication and to show the importance of developing a pictorial communication system for my son Ian.

Method/Activities/Techniques

We started with three books of People, Things and Places together with photo albums of special events. Then added daily pictorial diaries using sticky labels and yearly wall canvas collages for Ian’s house. Also, regular letter to friends and a yearly calendar. The touch screen and use of PowerPoint made choosing and printing easier. His diary is transferred onto his iPad and a yearly one is kept. He now has a TV box, Smart TV and a Wireless Hard Drive.

Results/Findings

Ian’s diaries have been used for over 15 years now in all different settings and he is able to have a good two way conversation. We have proved without a doubt that pictures work and everyone can join in without special training. The system is flexible and changes with his development, whist still maintaining the fundamental structure.

Conclusions

The most important thing is that the communication system has to be owned by everyone and become a part of someone’s day or routine, because systems are only good if they are implemented properly and maintained.

Level of Session

General

Age Group

Adult

Interest

Adult