Visuals
1. What is a visual strategy?
Visuals range from a stop sign to an agenda. It is what we use to clearly define an idea, action or request. Think about how you schedule your week; do you record it verbally or visually? When you are driving, is it is easier to follow someone’s verbal directions or do you like looking at written directions or a map? Written words are a form of visual; it is a cue or reminder of what we are doing and allows us to bring focus and attention to the current action. When referring to IRI’s visuals we are talking about a strategy created to bring focus when acquiring a skill set, the skill set can range from appropriate social rules, academic skills and even every day skills.
2. Describe the resources IRI provides?
Infinite Resources provides behavioral, visual and educational strategies. Our visual resources range in design and function from topic boards, visual schedules, behavior reduction, transition materials, the list is endless. We create based on need, if you are looking for a visual that isn’t in our catalog we can custom create the most effective visual for you. Our resources are designed around the learning strengths and needs of the individual and the goals and expectations of their entire team.
3. How are visuals beneficial?
Visuals create balance and open communication and the ability to reason through problems by offering solid choices. It is like traffic lights, how effective would they be if we only heard the commands! If a person is able to clearly see all of their options it tends to be easier to pick the right or positive choice, “would you run a red light?” Rather than reacting to a situation we can look at solutions or choices and pick the most appropriate.
4. What are the most frequently requested visuals?
It depends on the client and the requesting party.
- occupational therapist typically requests sensory choice boards; name games and things that would help develop fine or gross motor skills.
- speech-language pathologists lean more towards communication boards and speech development strategies.
- classroom teacher usually looks at scheduling or behavior reduction visuals
- psychologists look for strategies that include emotions and coping skills.
- parents requests serve to meet familial goals such as bedtime routines, independent pottying, eating issues, behavior, cooperation skills, etc.
Overall the top two most frequently requested visuals would be behavior reduction strategies like desk strips or cues and the other would be transition strategies such as visual schedules and task strips.
5. Who can benefit from visuals?
Everyone benefits from visuals because we are adding input via another sense. When dealing with clients with the following: frustrated preschoolers, autism, down syndrome, brain injury, Alzheimer’s, stroke victims, stubborn or defiant children and learning challenges a picture is worth a thousand words. Often we think an individual is not following our directions because of defiance, or personality, when actually they do not understand the expectations. If presented with a visual, things may become clearer and the individual can reach an outcome. When a client is not meeting expectations we need to consider whether a visual will add clarity.
6. Who can order visuals?
Anyone involved with the clients development including parents, therapists, educators, community supports, but be sure to work as a team to get a consistent approach.
7. How do I know if a visual is right for my client?
Initially you start with a goal and we walk you through the process. We will assess the goals, motivators, learning style, age, learning level, comprehension and needs of the client and the requesting party. If the initial resource/visual does not meet the full expectations we will reevaluate and work with you to create a more suited visual.
Tips & Strategies
Every so often we like to share a tip or strategy with you! You can browse through our archive of tips & strategies below. Keep checking back and we'll keep sharing!
Strategy #1: Stop. Think. Act.
The “Stop. Think. Act” boards are visual strategies that give students the ability to stop, and think through their options, before acting. These are a real benefit when working on safety, social situations as well as unfamiliar situations. They can be used in the classroom, home or community.
Click here to download Stop. Think. Act. (Nov 2009)
Strategy #2: First, Then
A visual support that gives the students a chance to transition without fear of the unknown. You can pair a non-preferred activity with a preferred one, or simply let the child know what is coming next. This way, the children have a clear understanding of expectations and transitions, which reduces anxiety and helps students to leave one activity and move on to another.
Click here to download the First, Then boards (Feb 2010)
