VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 2
Conclusion
In conclusion, rolling out a school-wide system of any sort requires
advanced planning, coordination, and collaboration. Many professionals have
valuable knowledge to contribute to the planning and implementation of tangible
symbols, including speech language pathologists, teachers of students with visual
impairments and/or deafblindness, occupational therapists, assistive technology
specialists, and teachers. Families also are critical members of the educational
team. Having a structured plan with input from a multi-disciplinary team that
includes specific objectives, strategies, and effective support will enhance buy-in
and consistency. Make sure to build in ample opportunities to collaborate, problem
solve, and create new objectives as progress is made. Ultimately, a robust tangible
symbol system will need to evolve over time and therefore requires a system for
expanding vocabulary and symbols. As a final note, understand that
standardization does not eliminate the possibility for individualization and tangible
symbols are often only one mode within a total communication system – providing
the necessary supports that will lead to individual student success is always of the
utmost importance.
