Partner Assisted Scanning

This video demonstrates how low tech alphabet based systems can be used to support and enhance communication and it shows different organisations of the alphabet and systems.

Low tech strategies always need to be in place for times when an electronic device is not available, convenient or useful, for example, if an individual had pain in her foot and it was two o’clock in the morning, it would probably be easier, quicker and less distressing for a person to communicate where it hurts using an alphabet chart or gesture than setting up a complex access method such as switch access or eye gaze.

In order to use partner assisted scanning there needs to be a shared understanding of how a person can indicate a choice.The indication can be a word, vocalisation, movement or combination but needs to be reliable, under voluntary control and not confused or overshadowed by involuntary movements.

Communication partners are able to adapt their delivery, e.g. speed, volume, etc. and by making predictions based on knowledge of the person and situation and this makes partner assisted scanning an effective way to communicate.

Some examples of alphabet formats can be accessed from our EATS website under Resources.