Q: What are Visual Supports?
A: Visual Supports are pictures or physical objects that help support and aide in comprehension of the written or spoken word. We all use visual supports every day, whether it is the pictures used in directions to assemble a piece of furniture, the drive through menu at McDonald’s™, or the icons on our computer. Pictures are frequently used in early childhood education with flash cards or counting blocks to help with reading and math.
Q: Who is the Choiceworks™ system for?
A: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, early childhood regular education (ages 3-9), Attention Deficit Disorder, speech delays, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, behavior issues, cognitive impairment, English as a second language, hearing impairment.
Q: Are visual supports only for children who can’t speak?
A: No. Actually, visual supports benefit everyone. I think this is one of the biggest misconceptions about visual supports.
Questions about using the Choiceworks™ System
Q: What if the schedule changes?
A: You can either write on the schedule board “Sometimes the Schedule Changes” or use the term “zigger zagger” coined by Dr. Jane Holmes Bernstein at Children’s Hospital Boston. When the scheduled activity or event is to occur and unforeseen circumstances come up, for example it starts raining and you can’t go outside for recess, you would say something like, “Oops, looks like a “zigger zagger.” We’ll have to pick another activity to do.”
Q: What if one or more of the choices are not available to the child at that time?
A: Use the dry erase marker and draw a line or X over the picture symbol to indicate that this choice is not available right now.
Q: What if I need more pictures or want to use my own?
A: If you have already purchased computer software with picture symbols you can adhere those picture symbols to the blank spaces on the choice wheels or place them over the pictures that you don’t wish to utilize. Other great sources for images are Google images, digital cameras, weekly advertisements, food labels and cereal boxes. Bee Visual will be adding additional images to our collection soon!
Q: What is the best way to clean my Choiceworks™ Board?
A: We suggest dampening a soft cloth with water and wiping the board down periodically. A dime size dab of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel will remove any left over dry erase residue.
Questions about ordering the Choiceworks™ System
Q: Your website is charging me a sales tax even though we are a tax exempt organization?
A: If you are a tax exempt organization and located in Massachusetts you will need to fill out an order form and submit it by mail. The order form is located on the Product page of our website.
Q: Do you accept purchase orders?
A: Yes, if you are an accredited organization. Purchase orders can be sent to us by mail or email. Some restrictions may apply.
Q: Can I order by mail?
A: Yes. You will need to fill out an order form and submit it by mail. The order form is located on the Product page of our website.
Q: Are quantity discounts available?
A: Yes. Please contact us if you are ordering 6 or more.
