Transitioning from PECS to SGDs (Speech Generating Devices)

Transitioning from PECS to SGDs will describe procedures for analyzing a learner's current PECS skills to determine candidacy for transitioning to a Speech Generating Device (SGD), choosing a device, and teaching functional use of the device, and why we must teach the basic principles of communication to our learner first to ensure positive outcomes are achieved.

Topics covered include:

•Review of the PECS Protocol
•The unique challenges of learners with complex communication needs
•Procedures for analyzing current PECS skills
•Determining candidacy for transitioning from PECS to a Speech Generating Device
•The 5 criteria for appropriate device selection
•Preparing the learner for the transition
•Using elements of the PECS protocol to teach functional SGD use
•Problem solving SGD use