I teach students with severe, multiple disabilities that are non-verbal, so tapping into communication and sharing information is a joint effort with family, teachers and those they interact with. My students are confined to a wheelchair and experience discomfort and challenges every day... all day. Sharing what makes my students special is easy. They meet their obstacles daily with a smile, eager to learn and spend time with their peers. Some of our favorite things to do as a class are swimming, bowling, music therapy and making cookies to share with those we care about at home and in the school.
As a result of my students' non-verbal communication skills, they can't share important, personal information or make close connections with those they associate with daily.
Imagine having the most exciting experience you want to shout it to the world, but you can't and you will ALWAYS need supports in order to create conversation. We all have an innate need to share important, special, exciting news with those we love. Sharing information creates important connections with family members and creates friendships with others. The biggest outcome of communication is the value and self-worth we gain for ourselves.
My Project
The switch allows parents and teachers to communicate student home activities in a series of messages directly into the switch and press its activation surface for the first message. Press it again and it automatically steps to the next message. The switch allows for two minutes of information to share with family, teachers, and peers. I would love for my students to have access to a voice output switch so they have the opportunity to share meaningful information between school and home. Examples of this are:
“In music today, Sarah helped us make up a song about what we like to do in the summertime.
I like to eat popsicles."
"We are reading Shel Silverstein poems, this one made me laugh (record poem).” Parents would share activities or experiences their child had at home the night before and each morning during “team chat” students would share personal information with their peers and teachers.
It takes time and effort by family members, community and in every setting to include my students. The information we can share is endless. Communication is vital in our daily lives. It creates relationships and connections. Without it, you travel alone.
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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. Folkersen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
