This document discusses visual supports that can be used in structured classrooms to help prepare children for situations and help the situations be understandable for children. It discusses using easily recognized, easily understood, and durable visuals that are accessible. Specific visual support systems discussed include Picture Communication Symbols, the Picture Exchange Communication System, and Visual Strategies/Supports. The document also provides a hierarchy of visual symbols from concrete to abstract and tips for displaying, protecting, organizing and using visual supports both in the classroom and outside of it.

1. Structured Classroom Series:Visual SupportsSponsored by FDLRS Action Resource Center

2. What Visuals Do You Use?

3. Would you use the right one?

4. Prepare the child for the situation and the situation for the child.Easily RecognizedEasilyUnderstoodDurableAccessible

5. PCS, PECS and VSPicture Communication Symbols (PCS)Symbols in the Boardmaker software programPicture Exchange Communication System (PECS)A communication program designed to develop functional communication skills in students. This is a multi-stage program. It is designed primarily for students who are not initiating communication or approaching their communication partners.Visual Strategies/SupportsAny visuals (pictures, photos, objects, words) used to support students to increase their understanding of what is being said and what is expected

6. Visual Support Hierarchy Symbol Hierarchy

7. Objects

8. Object Symbols

9. Facsimiles – photographs

10. True object based icons (TOBI)

11. Line drawings

12. Colored

13. Black and white

14. WordsConcreteAbstract

15. Tricks and TipsDisplayProtectOut & AboutOrganize