reciprocal communication

Communication is a two-way, reciprocal process. We communicate with others to make our needs and desires known, and others communicate back to us to acknowledge and respond to our needs. Initially, we all need to be taught this basic premise of communication. A picture card system can provide someone with special needs the means to communicate his needs and a way to interact with his surroundings.

other examples

Using the above explanations for teaching, other examples of cards which should be kept easily accessible are:

basic: yes, no, I don't know, stop and bathroom cards

emotions: happy, sad, angry cards

health needs: "I don't feel good", headache, earache cards

feelings scale

Another useful tool is our feelings scale. Have someone point to the face that best explains how they feel. Useful when determining if a person is sick or hurt.