Picture Boards and Expressive Language

      I've talked a lot about increasing the independence of individuals with disabilities across different environments including school, home, and community. Perhaps one of the most significant ways of achieving this goal is by increasing an individual's expressive language skills, as shown in this sample IEP goal:

Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance: Andy uses a variety of sounds, gestures, signs, and picture/symbols to communicate with his family. He is very social and enjoys parallel play. Andy does not communicate vocally in the classroom, but does use some gestures. At school Andy will sign, but only with prompts.

Annual Goal: Andy will increase expressive language production by using a variety of communication methods in the classroom, including sign language, gestures, communication boards, pictures, and simple voice output devices during four out of five opportunities.

These examples of picture boards are just a tiny glimpse of the different types of expressive language these highly effective tools can be used for. Picture boards will help Andy communicate his wants, feelings, needs, and schedule to his teachers, peers, and family. Picture boards allow individuals with communication challenges, like Andy, to have the ability to make decisions and obtain their desired results.