Printable Visual Supports
What are Visuals?
A visual support refers to using a picture or other item to communicate with a child who has difficulty understanding or using language. Visual supports can be photographs, drawings, objects, written words, or lists. Research has shown that visual supports work well as a way to communicate.
Visual supports are used for two main purposes. They help caregivers communicate better with their child, and they help their child communicate better with others. Visual supports can be used with persons of any age, though my website focuses on students.
Why Use Visuals?
“Visuals stay, words fly away” - Visuals are permanent
Visuals can move between people and environments
Visuals help to build independence
Visuals can provide structure
Visuals help ALL students
How Do I Use Them?
MODEL how to use the visual. Point to each symbol as you say the word
Introduce the visual and explain what you are going to be using it for
Think about when and where you will be using the visual. In what activities/situations would it be most useful
Children need to see visuals lots of times to begin to understand how to use it
Hand it Over: A simple act of handing over the visual to a friend can serve as a gentle reminder that they can use it
Don’t only use a visual when a student is upset. Then the visual will become something that makes them more upset
Spanish Translations on the way! (08/2024)
Point to the symbols on the board as you talk:
It’s okay if it takes you an extra few seconds to find the words you are looking for, but be deliberate in showing them.
Stick to the key words:
For example, if you say “Look at that!”, point to the symbols “look + that” while you talk.
Make it fun and low pressure:
Modeling is all about exposure. Don’t require the child to say anything
Colors Count:
The background colors help you know what kind of words you are using.
yellow= pronouns, purple= question words, green= verbs, light blue= location/time, dark blue= descriptors, orange= determiner/pronoun
Hand it Over: A simple act of handing over the lanyard visual to a friend can serve as a gentle reminder of what’s expected.
Point it Out: Pointing to the relevant visual on the lanyard can also serve as an effective cue.
Signal Agreement: Establishing an agreed-upon signal to draw attention to the lanyard visual creates a shared understanding and a sense of partnership.
(to print double sided, click "Print on short edge" in printer options)
