Nico has, to varying degrees of clarity, somewhat around 100 signs. Maybe more if you could all the letters, for example (he can probably do 20 of them to some degree).
We have the device pictured here (http://www.amdi.net/store/communicators-1/tech-series/tech-speak-1/tech-speak-4x32-bgch.html), bought for us via E.I. I mostly hate it. I want either something much higher tech (including the I-touch option) or much lower tech (pictures printed out). Part of the problem is that we got the device and then EI ended and we had new therapists and they didn't buy-in. Also, they weren't trained in PECS.
The doctor says he'd like to start with PECS and make sure we get Nico into the idea of a picture being a symbol for a thing he wants to say, then we can discuss more complex devices. I would be surprised if a device isn't in his future.
J. says that all these signs are good, but since he's not deaf, he won't be living in deaf culture, and signs are dependent on the other person knowing sign. Also, once you sign, the sign is gone, but the child may think he/she has communicated and not understand why the result isn't there. Whereas a picture can just sit there.
And yeah, once we have a full set of diagnoses, recommendations, medical team set up, etc ... it'll be time for a new IEP for the school.
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Date: 2010-09-24 12:25 am (UTC)We have the device pictured here (http://www.amdi.net/store/communicators-1/tech-series/tech-speak-1/tech-speak-4x32-bgch.html), bought for us via E.I. I mostly hate it. I want either something much higher tech (including the I-touch option) or much lower tech (pictures printed out). Part of the problem is that we got the device and then EI ended and we had new therapists and they didn't buy-in. Also, they weren't trained in PECS.
The doctor says he'd like to start with PECS and make sure we get Nico into the idea of a picture being a symbol for a thing he wants to say, then we can discuss more complex devices. I would be surprised if a device isn't in his future.
J. says that all these signs are good, but since he's not deaf, he won't be living in deaf culture, and signs are dependent on the other person knowing sign. Also, once you sign, the sign is gone, but the child may think he/she has communicated and not understand why the result isn't there. Whereas a picture can just sit there.
And yeah, once we have a full set of diagnoses, recommendations, medical team set up, etc ... it'll be time for a new IEP for the school.
Also, your input is so helpful to me. Thanks.