Communication Support Services

Breaking Down Communication Barriers

Being unable to communicate effectively is frustrating and isolating. Our Communication Support Services help individuals with developmental disabilities who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have limited verbal communication access the services, relationships, and opportunities they deserve.

We provide American Sign Language interpretation and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) training to bridge communication gaps and promote independence.

What's Included in Communication Support

American Sign Language (ASL) Services

• Interpretation during service planning meetings
• Facilitation of communication with care providers
• Support accessing medical appointments
• Interpretation for educational or training programs
• Assistance with community activities and social events
• Family communication support
• Teaching basic signs to staff and family members

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• Assessment of current communication abilities
• Development of individualized picture systems
• Training the individual to use PECS for requests and communication
• Teaching communication partners how to respond
• Creating picture books and communication boards
• Expanding vocabulary and communication complexity
• Integration with daily routines and activities

Who Needs Communication Support?

ASL Services are for individuals who:

• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Use American Sign Language as their primary language
• Need interpretation to access services
• Have family members who are deaf
• Are learning ASL as an alternative communication method

PECS Training helps individuals who:

• Are non-verbal or minimally verbal
• Have difficulty with spoken language
• Experience frustration due to communication challenges
• Could benefit from visual communication supports
• Need an alternative or augmentative communication system
• Are working toward more complex communication skills

American Sign Language Support

Many deaf individuals with developmental disabilities face double barriers - both disability-related service access issues and communication access issues. ASL interpretation removes the communication barrier.

How We Provide ASL Services:

Qualified Interpreters

Our ASL interpreters are certified or qualified to interpret in educational and healthcare settings. They understand both developmental disability services and deaf culture.

Service Coordination

We ensure interpreters are present for IPP meetings, medical appointments, behavioral consultations, and any other situation where the client needs to communicate with non-signing professionals.

Daily Living Support

Interpreters facilitate communication with roommates, staff, community members, and others the client interacts with regularly.

Rights & Advocacy

We help deaf clients understand their rights, advocate for themselves, and access the same services and opportunities as hearing clients.

Cultural Respect

We recognize that deaf culture is distinct and valuable. Our services respect deaf identity while providing necessary developmental disability supports.

PECS Training & Implementation

The Picture Exchange Communication System gives non-verbal individuals a way to initiate communication, make requests, and express preferences without relying on speech.

How PECS Works:

PECS uses pictures or symbols that represent objects, actions, or concepts. Individuals learn to hand a picture to a communication partner to request what they want or share information.

Our PECS Process:

Phase 1: The Physical Exchange

We teach the individual to pick up a picture and hand it to someone to get a desired item. This establishes the basic exchange.

Phase 2: Expanding Spontaneity

The person learns to go to their communication book, find the right picture, get someone's attention, and make the exchange independently.

Phase 3: Picture Discrimination

We expand the system so the individual can choose between multiple pictures to communicate different wants.

Phase 4: Sentence Structure

Using picture strips, we teach simple sentence building: "I want" + desired object.

Phase 5: Answering Questions

The person learns to use pictures to answer questions like "What do you want?" or "What do you see?"

Phase 6: Commenting

Communication expands beyond requests to include sharing observations, feelings, and experiences.

Training Communication Partners

A communication system only works if people around the individual know how to use it.

Staff Training:

We train direct care staff, instructors, and others on how to prompt PECS use, respond to communication attempts, and encourage expansion of skills.

Family Education:

Family members learn the system so communication can happen during visits and the individual can use PECS in all settings.

Community Support:

We help teach key community members (favorite store employees, neighbors, etc.) to recognize and respond to PECS communication.

Beyond Basic Communication

Our goal isn't just functional communication - it's rich, meaningful interaction.

Social Communication:

We work on using communication for social connection, not just getting needs met. Commenting, sharing experiences, and conversational turn-taking.

Self-Advocacy:

Whether through ASL or PECS, we teach individuals to express preferences, say no, ask questions, and advocate for themselves.

Literacy Skills:

For some individuals, picture systems serve as a bridge to written language. We incorporate words alongside pictures when appropriate.

Technology Integration:

We can incorporate communication apps and devices that expand picture-based communication.

Getting Started

Step 1: Contact us to discuss communication needs - whether ASL interpretation or PECS training.

Step 2: We complete a communication assessment to understand current abilities and needs.

Step 3: Regional center authorizes Communication Support Services through code 642.

Step 4: For ASL: We schedule interpretation services as needed. For PECS: We begin structured training.

Step 5: Ongoing support ensures the communication system is used consistently and expands over time.

Related Services

• [Independent Living Services →]
• [Supported Living Services →]
• [Parent & Family Training →]

For Case Managers

Referral Information:

Vendor #PX0775 | Service Code 642

Services: ASL interpretation (certified interpreters), PECS training and implementation

Languages: ASL, English (additional spoken languages if available)

Contact: [Direct line]