Message+Passing

The children are going to begin sharing messages from school to home and back to school by utilizing assistive technology. For some, this is new. This Assistive Technology for Communication called AAC or Augmentative and Alternative Communication uses a VOCA. VOCA means vocal output communication aid. These devices will speak for the children and help be their voices. Every student will have their own personalized VOCA to share their messages at home and in school. Every day, if time allows, your child will bring information home on their device, so they can share their day with you. Please set aside a time when you can ask your child: “How was your day?” or “Do you have anything you want to share?” Then your child can answer you by pushing the top of their device. Let them tell as many people as they would like or as many times as they may like. Perhaps they can share with mom, dad, their nurse, a brother or sister, grandparents, a friend, neighbor, etc. We also ask that you help your child bring messages and information back from HOME to SCHOOL to share with their classmates. You can have your child tell about a bedtime story, a TV show, a pet, a favorite toy, a fun activity they did…anything they like. For example, your child’s message could say, “Guess what I did last night? I went for a walk around the block. Mom and I also watched a movie.” If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. **Have fun talking!**
 * Message Passing **

**HOW TO RECORD A MESSAGE ON YOUR BIG Step by Step VOCA **
 * 1) The VOCA has an ON/OFF switch on the side of the device
 * 2) Switch it to ON
 * 3) Next, find the black record button on the same side
 * 4) Push the record button until you see the red light then let go
 * 5) Next hold down the blue top and speak your message
 * 6) Let the top go when you’re finished talking
 * 7) Add additional messages by holding down the blue top again and releasing when finished. Continue this step until you have completed all of your messages
 * 8) When you are all finished recording the messages, re-push the record button (the red light will go off)
 * 9) Test your message by pushing the blue top. If you are not happy with the message, just re-record. The new message will cancel out the old message.
 * 10) When you are all finished, please turn the device off to save the batteries

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Please remember to use the word “I”. The message should be your child talking. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">For example: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">“I watched cartoons last night.” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Instead of:

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">“Susan watched cartoons last night.”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;"> Thank you so much for helping the children know the power of communication.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Thanks.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Mary and Kristina