InterAACt and Cognitive Skills Development
During a typical day, individuals with intellectual disabilities spend time in multiple
settings. If they are students, they may be in a classroom, on a playground and
in the cafeteria. Individuals in a work setting may spend time at a work station,
in the lunchroom, or riding public transportation at various points throughout the
day. Adults enrolled in a day program may spend time in an art room, the kitchen,
and the library. It is important to provide the necessary communication tools so
that each individual can participate to the fullest extent possible – regardless
of where they spend their time. InterAACt provides the vocabulary to promote functional
communication, language and literacy skills development related to school- and work-specific
activities. The ultimate goal is to increase participation and learning in all environments.
Some examples of cognitive skills support available on DynaVox communication devices
include:
allows students to participate in
songs, stories and learning about the calendar and weather during group activities.
Adults can use this same tool to participate in work and social events, and learn
about transportation schedules, etc.
material can easily be added to the AAC device and text can be
read aloud to the individual. Symbols added to the text can support beginning readers
and those with limited literacy skills.
is a great time to teach choice
making and social skills.
content provides simple calculators, numbers,
shapes (for sequencing) and addition, subtraction and multiplication practice pages.
vocabulary allows individuals to request supplies,
choose colors and comment to others.
pages allow individuals with intellectual
disability to share information about their day with others.
