Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Page 1 of 2
A guide about
visual support
What is visual support? • Visual support is any additional strategy used to help a child understand. • It can help with understanding instructions, moving from one task to another, structuring time and
understanding words. • Visual supports include objects of reference, symbols, signing, photos and gestures. Who can use visual support? • Any child who has difficulty understanding spoken language. • Any child who has difficulties with attention and listening. Why use visual support? • To support attention and listening. • To support understanding and choice making. • To reduce anxiety and prepare for change. • To support understanding of space and time. • To encourage independence. • To support visual learning. • Mostly it is permanent and doesn’t disappear like spoken words. Stages of development When designing visual supports it is important to consider which stage of visual recognition the child is at. The stages are as follows:
1. Object 2. Photo 3. Coloured symbol 4. Black and white symbol 5. Line Drawing 6. Word Golden rules for using visual support Is it meaningful? In order to make this meaningful for the child, ensure you are using the appropriate type(s) of visual support for the child and the task. Is it motivating? Use a child’s interest to create their visual supports, for example, collecting characters from Thomas the Tank Engine on a working towards card. Is it frequent? Ensure there are daily opportunities to use the visual supports you have chosen and be consistent in your approach with each type of visual support.
Page 2 of 2
Contact the Children’s Therapies Service Please contact your Integrated Therapy Team if you have any queries or concerns regarding the information in this leaflet.
Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Phone 01322 428242
Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks Phone 01892 501860
Maidstone and Malling Phone 01622 742333
Canterbury Phone 01227 783042
Thanet Phone 0300 042 0871
If you need communication support, an interpreter or this information in another language, audio, Braille, Easy Read or large print, please ask a member of staff.
You will be asked for your agreement to treatment and, if necessary, your permission to share your personal information.
Leaflet code: 01043a Published: February 2017 Expires: February 2020 Page 2 of 2
08.0
2.17
Customer Care Team If you have a query about our health services, or would like to comment, compliment or complain about Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, you can contact the Customer Care Team.
Phone: 0300 123 1807, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday Please say if you would like the team to call you back Text: 07899 903499 Email: [email protected]
Address: Customer Care Team, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, Unit J, Concept Court, Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ Web: www.kentcht.nhs.uk
