Using Visual Supports for Students with Developmental Disabilities
No two learners are alike. For students with developmental disabilities who have difficulty communicating and understanding their environment, it is essential to present information in ways that align with their learning styles. Visual supports—concrete representations of information absorbed visually—can help these students understand communication, learn to interact with others, and navigate their school environment.
Visual supports can address a wide range of needs, such as understanding rules, improving independence, supporting transitions, and reducing frustration and anxiety. These supports can be tailored to individual needs and comprehension levels, helping students achieve success in the classroom.
Four Common Types of Visual Supports
1. Visual Schedules
A visual schedule shows the order of activities throughout the school day, offering predictability and reducing anxiety. These schedules can include pictures, simple words, objects, or a combination of these elements. For instance, a napkin might represent lunchtime. Mini schedules can also provide step-by-step instructions for specific tasks, such as completing a math worksheet.
2. Informational Sharers
Informational sharers help students communicate about their school day with others, such as their parents. These supports might include objects, pictures, or words that students can use to indicate activities they participated in. Examples include:
- People locators: Calendars showing which days a student is with each parent or whether it’s a school day or stay-at-home day.
- Personal information cards: Cards containing details like the student’s name, address, and medical information, useful for field trips or community outings.
3. Student Checklists
Checklists help organize tasks into manageable steps, increasing student independence and success. For example, checklists can guide students on what to do when they arrive at school or prepare snacks in the lunchroom. These supports can be tailored to include pictures, words, or objects based on the student’s abilities.
4. Visual Behavior Supports
Visual behavior supports help prevent challenging behaviors and maintain emotional regulation. These supports may include:
- Picture cards: Cards that allow students to make choices, such as taking a break or choosing a preferred task.
- Token boards: Track tokens earned for appropriate behavior, leading to rewards.
- First/then visuals: Indicate what task must be completed first and the reward that follows.
- Social stories and rule cards: Teach expected behaviors in different school settings.
Benefits of Visual Supports
Visual supports are invaluable for students who struggle with verbal instructions or require environmental and instructional aids. By choosing the right visual supports based on a student’s abilities and communication needs, educators can foster independence, reduce frustration, and improve student achievement.
IDEA Funding & Services
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs. Catapult Learning offers a suite of special education and related services that can be funded using IDEA allocations.
Download our IDEA brochure to learn more.
