I am taking a communication class for children with severe disabilities this week called “every move counts”. http://www.everymovecounts.net/ The book is really easy to read and understand. The basic idea is to use the student’s natural response systems (head movement- eye gave ect…) and using it to create meaningful communication. things that seem to be very important:
use the table you are laid- take the tools, prefferences and abilities of the student as they are and do not try to make them fit a mold you want.
do not prompt- the hardest thing a teacher can do is be quiet and not “help” the student but you have to wait for the response before you give them the preferred item/activity.
communicate where the student is at- actual items, objects, pictures or line drawings- not what is easiest for you to do.
do not overdo your verbal acknowledgement of the activity- you don’t want it to be about the student wanting you to be happy.
2 second rule- for the communication to have meaning the response has to be in 2 seconds or less- they move their leg to request more have it right there and in their possession immediately.
don’t do it all at once- like a juggler you start small with one ball and add more as you go. one word at a time then add them to an array.
The thing is that this is a very specific communication program for nonverbal and physically handicapped persons. It would only be useful to one student in my room and while I am certain I want to use it with her and I am trying to figure out when in my day I will be able to fit this in with all the stuff I have to teach now for state testing along with functional skills and goals. It gets a little overwhelming sometimes doesn’t it?
Anyway I will find some good links on the subject and post then later- the class only had handouts and was very hands on. Fun for the whole family 
