My students need a new printer to have stimulating visual classroom supports. These may include pictures for their visual schedules, Picture Exchange Communication Systems, or token boards.
Imagine not being able to fully understand what is being said to you. Perhaps your teacher sounds just like Charlie Brown's teacher: Wa Waa Wa Waa Wa Waa. Children with Autism struggle with receptive and expressive language. Visual supports provide my children with opportunities for success.
My class consists of a unique group of children.
Do you know how doctors and specialists classify Autism as a spectrum disorder? Well, this year I have students whom range from one end, all the way to the other. Each child is special not because of their disability, but in spite of it. One of my student's has been nonverbal her entire life. This year with the consistent and deliberate use of visual supports, she is learning to communicate for the first time in her life. Last year we began instruction using the Picture Exchange Communication method. Our young lady reluctantly began use PECS as a functional method of communicating. This year with visual cue cards, she is actually speaking when making requests!
My Project
When teaching children with Autism, your days can be unpredictable. What worked one day, may not work the next. Those skittles that "Little Johnny" worked so hard for yesterday, just aren't doing it for him today. If I had a color printer in my classroom, as the student's reinforcer's and visual support needs change, I would be able to quickly accommodate the child, potentially decreasing negative behaviors. Colorful visual supports would be more engaging to my students with Autism. Any student who is more engaged throughout the school day benefits. Most importantly, colorful visual supports that are readily accessible will allow my students to participate in more expressive and receptive communication opportunities.
When our classroom is gifted the color printer, I will be able to quickly create visual supports as they may be needed.
Because the needs and desires of a child with Autism can vary greatly from day to day, it is essential that I be able to provide them with the tools they may need to be able to communicate and participate in their school. By bridging the gap between expressive language and receptive language deficits, my students will be able to more fully participate with their peers.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Sorrell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.