How do you feel when someone does not understand you? My nonverbal students face this challenge every day. They are in the beginning stages of communication, and I want to give them every tool available to support their language needs. We are learning sign language and some children can make basic sounds. Our current communication device is broken, and my students were just starting to grab it when they needed to tell me they wanted a snack or that they were mad.
I teach a district special education Early Childhood Program at a Title 1 school in Louisiana.
My students have severe disabilities such as autism and genetic disorders. They struggle to communicate, and understand social cues. They love to learn new skills, and play with new equipment and toys. My students exhibit physical, academic, and behavior difficulties. The children in my class are an inspiration to other people because they work so hard to meet the challenges in their lives.
My Project
The Talker will promote effective communication and relieve the pressure to speak for my students. Students touch a picture button on the Talker, and it will say the word. My students were just starting to use our old communication device when it stopped working. Now we have to rely on sign language and pictures which are not as effective. I want my students to communicate independently, and I know from experience that students will learn better when they can communicate better. My students' frustration when I cannot understand them is painful to watch. The Talker will help end their frustration, and promote communication and language development, social skills development, cognitive skills development, and positive behavior skills.
Your donation to this project will help ensure that my special education students receive another tool to maximize their learning potential.
Research shows that an augmentative communication device relieves the pressure to talk and may increase speech and language skills. I have personally witnessed two of my children begin to speak more after briefly using our communication device before it stopped working. My student's pride and happiness when we clap and cheer for every sound they make is amazing! The children need this communication device to help them become more independent.
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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. Wallis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.