Why Nonverbal vs Verbal?

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Over this summer I had the opportunity to work in a facility that had all levels of clients within the programs. Their capabilities ranged from severe cognitive disabilities and severe physical capabilities and everything in-between, there were also a lot of very capable clients as well.

Similar to what was available for Dan
There were several clients who I would work with often, many were limited verbal or nonverbal. There was one client Dan* who I worked with often, he had his own adapted signs for his motor capabilities. He could express "Yes", would shake his head "No" and was able to sign a few more signs that he would commonly use. However he did have a speech binder, something with pictures in that he could use to point out other words he wanted to say.

What I wanted to design for Dan
The problem with the binder was it was too heavy for him to lift on his own. Once it was out Dan wasn't able to hold the binder himself, he needed you to hold the book and turn the pages for him, until he could point at the picture he wanted to express. I asked my supervisors if there was a way to give Dan a smaller book or even flashcards that would more accurately convey his desired communication. My supervisors told me it would not be possible because Dan had the same book at home and we couldn't change the one he had because then the two wouldn't line up.

I have always been interested in making sure everyone is able to communicate their best. Dan's problem was and is something that concerns me. While he did enjoy what he was doing in the classroom, I could see the frustration that Dan had as he tried to converse with people who didn't know his limited signs or what that particular sign meant. Or even for me, I understand about three signs in ASL and when Dan would try to speak to me I wouldn't be able to even start to guess what he was trying to say to me.

This Higher Wider Deeper project is an opportunity for me to explore what is available for those with any sort of speech impairments or hearing impairments, or autism. Knowing how to help clients in the classroom or even as they leave the classroom and go out into the world how to improve their opportunities.

*Name has been changed.

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