Augmentative communication refers to assistive technology designed to help a preschooler communicate. It is used for a variety of types of people, including children with physical or mental disabilities. One specific type of augmentative communication device for preschoolers is the DynaBox system. The touchscreen allows students to choose an item, and the device speaks the word in a variety of voices. Providing your preschoolers with any type of augmentative communication device allows them to communicate with you and other members of their class when they might not otherwise have been able to do so.
Switches allow students with physical disabilities the chance to participate in a variety of classroom activities. You can set up a switch to turn on and off electrical devices in your preschool classroom. For example, you may choose to set up a switch to turn on the music player during circle time. This allows your preschool students with special needs to be responsible for many things they might not otherwise be able to control.
Tape recorders can be used in your preschool classroom in a variety of ways. For students who are visually impaired, record books on tape so that they can read the stories in your classroom library without the help of you or a peer. Preschool students with memory issues can benefit from having a tape recorder with recorded directions so they can play the instructions as many times as necessary to complete the assignment.
Computers play an integral role in most classrooms today, regardless of the type of preschool class. They can be used for academic instruction as well as social development for all students, not simply ones with special needs. Additionally, preschool children with disabilities can use computers to review academic lessons or practice writing skills if they are unable to use their hands to write with a pencil or crayon.