# LOW- OR NO-TECH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

Assistive technology doesn’t have to be high-tech! Here are 5 great examples of easy-to-use, low-tech or no-tech AT tools that help build children’s communication skills.

## AT TOOL: Communication photographs  
**WHAT IT IS:**  
Individual digital photos of actual items, people, actions, places, and feelings of child’s environment.

**HOW TO USE IT:**  
Select the appropriate number and size of photos for the child. Position photo in front of object to link symbol and object.

### HOW IT HELPS  
Links to objects in environment to build communicative intent. Reinforces familiar receptive vocabulary and introduces novel words.

## AT TOOL: Visual scene  
**WHAT IT IS:**  
Large photograph of a familiar environment (laminated or preserved with page protector)

**HOW TO USE IT:**  
Introduce the photo prior to an activity. Preview what the child will see, do, and experience. Review after the activity.

### HOW IT HELPS  
Depicts actions, people, and interactions in context, to help the child build vocabulary beyond nouns.

## AT TOOL: Communication icons with printed label  
**WHAT IT IS:**  
Individual icons printed on single laminated cards

**HOW TO USE IT:**  
Select the appropriate icon cards for the child. Position card in front of object to link icon and object.

### HOW IT HELPS  
Represents objects, actions, people, and other vocabulary in a higher level of symbolic representation.

## AT TOOL: Activity board  
**WHAT IT IS:**  
Various sizes and numbers of photos and icons displayed on a board

**HOW TO USE IT:**  
Position core words in the same place on repeated boards to show steps of activities in sequence. Use aided language stimulation to highlight words. Wait for child’s response.

### HOW IT HELPS  
Visual display of communication choices on a clear plastic clock face. Child controls the pointer with the touch of a switch until the desired symbol is reached.

### HOW IT HELPS  
Great way to communicate choices and desires. Supports comprehension and expressive language.