Incictprov6 Comm Diffs
Incictprov6 Comm Diffs
Incictprov6 Comm Diffs
This guide suggests where ICT may help and points you to the main sources of advice and
information available in this area. It is not exhaustive but a starting point on where to get help.
Pupils may have communication and interaction difficulties for a range of reasons. They may have
autistic-spectrum disorders, sensory or physical impairment, or speech and language delay. Their
difficulties may arise from general learning difficulties or specific learning difficulties such as
dyslexia. The communication difficulty may be in the area of writing or speech.
• Seek advice on whether a VOCA (voice output communication aid) is needed. A VOCA is
a device that stores speech that can then be used for communicating. There is a wide
range of VOCAs. The simplest has just one recorded message that you activate by
pressing it, while the most complicated have many areas, each with a different
message, and several layers of messages.
• Investigate the benefits of using a sound-activated switch. This can encourage children to
vocalise. Using suitable software and blowing or speaking into the microphone, they
can change a picture on the screen or create patterns in response to their voices.
Mind-mapping software has proved a useful tool for dyslexic learners and, now that it is becoming
commonplace for deaf learners to take written examinations, they too have to plan and carry through
larger-scale projects. Some packages take a different approach to thinking and planning techniques,
with learners using visual organisers, webs and mind maps to help them to keep track of what they
are doing.
For further information e-mail [email protected] or visit the web site [http://www.becta.org.uk/cap/].
This is one of the national centres for specialist assessment for pupils with communication
difficulties.
• Information about all the VOCAs supplied and supported in the UK.
[http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/vocapages/main.asp].
• Communication Advice - Where do I Start? An introduction to communication difficulties.
[http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/html/resources/comadvice/res01.html]
• Developing and Introducing Communication Books, from the ACE Centre
[http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/html/resources/Combooks/res07a.html]
• Developing Augmentative and Alternative Communication Policies in Schools
[http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/html/publications/publicat.html]
• Voice Recognition - Getting Specific, from the ACE Centre
[http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/html/resources/vrpart2/vrec1.html]
AbilityNet
CALL Centre
Communication Matters
This is the leading charity concerned with the education of pupils with autism.
[http://www.nas.org.uk/]
Special note
This guide identifies particular ICT approaches and provision that you may consider using to support pupils’
individual needs. It follows the conventions introduced in the Code of Practice for SEN. The information
should be used only as general guidance, since many pupils are likely to need specific solutions to meet
their individual needs. Where pupils have particular disabilities or complex special educational needs, an
expert assessment should be sought. Owing to the inter-linked nature of pupils’ needs, you will be referred
to other guides in this series for further information.