special-world-issue-1

BACK TOCONTENTSFEATURE | MULTI-SENSORY…into this!Adapted Book created using the ‘Print Book’ feature in SwitchIt!Maker 2 software; Voice Output Communication device mountedwith velcro on a cutting board with the use of an actual object(seed packet) used as a symbol; High Contrast Number Linecreated with foam core board, laminated number symbols withseeds for tactile numeral representationSwitchIt! Maker 2SwitchIt! Maker 2 software program has the features tocreate a range of print and electronic books relating tocurricular themes. Auditory learners and students thatuse switches to access their world, can independently readcurricular themed books in an electronic format. SwitchIt!Maker 2 offers a variety of features including the use of highcontrast presentation, use of photographs, graphics, symbols,recorded voice, audio and video clips, and large print.Using the ‘print book’ feature, high-contrast, adaptedbooks can be created. Laminate each page to add Brailleand textures for the tactile learner. Binding the book andadding ‘page fluffers’ (foam or other material that addsspace between pages of a book to make pages easier toturn) support physical access needs. Adapted books canbe presented on tilt boards, PVC frames or binders, placedin the student’s field of vision or within reach for tactileexploration.Each student should have their own copy of the bookpresented in the medium that meets their learning style.The content of the book should be broken down to onemain concept per page. For every concept, an object shouldbe presented to reinforce the concept in its actual form orrepresentation. It is suggested to create routines and readeach book every day for at least a few weeks. Repeatedexposure to the materials fills in the missing gaps createdby the lack of incidental learning experiences.‘Rock Cycle’ adapted book created in SwitchIt! Maker 2, printedand laminated. Main concepts reinforced by actual object, sightwordcard, and symbol attached to VO device. Daily repeatedexposure to support vocabulary developmentLiteracy BinsEach page of the adapted book has a main concept (vocabularyword.) Each concept has an object or, when unattainable,an object representation, ie tap light used to representthe sun. For every concept an object from the Literacy Binshould be presented. The Literacy Bin holds objects thatrepresent concepts in each unit book. Each student shouldhave their own book and their own Literacy Bin. Eachtime the page is turned and the content is read, the objectis retrieved from the bin and presented to the student.Repeated exposure helps reinforce that concept. Eventuallythese concepts become prior knowledge.Adapted book created in SwitchIt! Maker 2, laminated andbound with binder rings. Tactile graphic representing thecircle shape of the sun. Tap light used as an object representation.When possible always use actual objects. Objects kept inLiteracy BinsWWW.SPECIALWORLD.NET | ISSUE 1 | SEPTEMBER 201429