tierna Report post Posted March 15, 2011 Hi everyone I hope you don't mind me posting on your forum. I'm an undergraduate student, undertaking my final project for my visual communication degree (graphic design). I'm hoping to design some sort of interactive learning aid for children who find it easier to communicate with symbols & other imagery. I've been reading through the forums & have spotted many threads about trying to find images for use with this sort of thing. My question: If you were to have the PERFECT resource site to use with your child, what would it have on it? I'm hoping to design something that's really visually appealing (for both you and your little one. If it sounds like something you might be interested in, I might even upload it to the web when my degree finishes this summer. I'd love to hear your opinions! Thanks T Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted March 15, 2011 Hi tierna - I don't really need/use this stuff anymore, but a couple of quick suggestions: For those that need it (and the numbers that do have been grossly exaggerated in the past, causing all sorts of problems!) downloadable PECS style symbols would be very helpful. Maybe some very adaptable 'background graphics' or templates for things like star charts, visual timetables too... printable 'reward' tokens parents could print out and laminate then use as visual reminders of progress: being able to physically hold/count these things is much better than just a sticker on the wall! Another thing that's always helpful are 'social story' templates - if you knocked up some 'visual' ones (like graphic comics/novels) that were availabe as PDF downloads... Most important of all, they should be FREE! The forum has a rule about no commercial sites/links to commercial sites, so that's a dealbreaker as far as this site goes! Good luck with your exams I'm feeling quite inspired now - may go off and knock up a graphic novel social story or two myself! Coming soon to a PDF file near you... L&P BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tierna Report post Posted March 15, 2011 Hi baddad! Thanks so much for getting back to me. Glad to hear you're feeling inspired. Yes, it would certainly be free as it's all academic research for me currently! Backgrounds & Editable templates are excellent ideas. The more I'm researching, the more important customisation seems to be. Each child really is entirely unique with regards to what works for them! I was also thinking that photo/symbol alternatives could be an option. I'll take a look into 'social stories', I haven't looked at this in great detail. However this might be similar to 'routines' such as getting up in the morning, dressing, brushing teeth etc. Thanks again & enjoy getting creative with your own social stories T Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted March 16, 2011 Hi Tierna, Welcome to the forum. If you don't get more responses here, try putting your question as a topic tile and posting in General Discussion where more people might see it, if you want a variety of opinions. (Not to imply Baddad's view doesn't count, of course! ) Good luck with your research, K x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tierna Report post Posted March 16, 2011 Thanks for the welcome Kathryn! I'll take your advice. It'd be great to get many opinions on this! T Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites