My students need tech tubs and iPads with cases for communication. They will be used in training non-verbal students to use their augmentative communication device; giving them their own voice!
Our class works on language in every aspect of our day. We use picture cards or voice output devices to indicate choice, wants/needs, and to answer questions following lessons. Being able to communicate expressively and receptively is a hallmark of civilized society. Cost is our biggest challenge.
I have a class of 8 students grades 2-5 with multiple disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Other Health Impairments.
Our focus is to help each child gain the ability to make choices, communicate, and express their desires, however this is often a difficult task. Some are learning sign language; all are working on picture exchange systems. The children are full of energy, personality, and excitement. They show preferences for particular friends, toys, and activities.
This school is a typical public elementary school. The children attend Related Arts and Recess with our typical peers. Our students are very welcomed by their peers. The administration is overwhelmingly supportive of our class and is eager to assist us in meeting the needs of each student. We have very strong parent support as well.
My Project
We plan to implement the LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) treatment program. It is an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) approach designed to provide nonverbal individuals, or people with limited verbal abilities, a method of independently and spontaneously expressing themselves through the use of a speech-generating device.
The iPads (equipped with the LAMP app) will be used by staff with the children for training purposes. Each staff member will have an iPad, giving us the ability to totally immerse the students in language. Expressive and receptive communication skills will not just be emphasized during the child's thirty minute communication center, but in all centers; as well as meal times, transition times, recess, and related arts classes. The LAMP approach emphasizes core words from the Dolch pre-primer and primer lists, as well as core words based on studies of words occurring most frequently in early learners.
Funding this project will give our students the ability to gain the gift of language.
We feel that communication is one of mankind's most basic human needs. The LAMP approach has the potential of unlocking the world for the 8 nonverbal children in this classroom.
Through LAMP, we will give our students the opportunity to begin reciprocal communication with their families and friends. This could have a life changing effect on their lives.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Newman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.