Visual Supports
Visual supports are concrete cues that support a student in their understanding of their environment, directions, expectations, a task, the schedule, changes, etc. They come in many different forms, but can be placed into three main categories : visual boundaries, visual schedules, and visual cues.
Visual Support |
Examples |
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Boundaries |
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Schedules |
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Cues |
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Visual supports also take many different forms and are NOT just pictures! Visual supports can include:
- Physical organization (e.g., room set up, task bin work systems, etc.)
- Actual objects
- Miniature of object
- Part of an object
- Real photo
- Icon or Symbol
- Text-based
Choosing an appropriate visual support requires knowledge of a student's developmental level and what type of support they can access independently.
Benefits of Visual Supports
Visual supports are beneficial for students for a variety of reasons:
- Provide structure.
- Increase independence in an activity.
- Increase awareness and understanding of changes thus decreasing anxiety.
- Increase understanding and comprehension.
- When something is said verbally, the words "disappear". A visual provides a permanent product the student can refer to for reminders.
- When a student is upset, agitated, or otherwise escalated behaviorally, ability to comprehend verbal language decreases and can cause additional frustration. Visuals reduce reliance on words.