Communication Partner Strategies

  • General communication partner skills:

    • Make sure the student has access to their communication system or has a way to communicate at all times. 
    • Allow plenty of wait time.
    • Do not finish an individual's sentences, unless you ask first. Do not assume that you know what the person is going to say.
    • Pay attention to the individual's facial expressions and gestures.
    • Be honest if you don't understand the individual and give them a chance to clarify.
    • If the communication device or system isn't working, allow the individual to communicate through yes/no questions and choice making.
    • When possible, model words or short phrases on the individual's communication system, to help them learn where words are and how to put words together to make meaningful sentences. 
    • Always PRESUME COMPETENCE! 

     

    Follow their lead: How to be a respectful communication partner (AssistiveWare)

     

    Partner Strategies: Reading and Responding to a Child's Non-Verbal Signals

     


     

     

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