In many cultures, mealtime is an important time of the day. This is an opportunity to talk about your day, past and present events, make requests, deny offerings, tell stories, and ask and answer questions. For children with special needs, their ability to participate in this time of day is essential to furthering their relationships with their friends, even if they are unable to eat the same food. Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can be used to help your child make choices, respond to classmates and participate in conversations at mealtime. Adapted eating utensils with various types of grips and angles; bowls with suction cups, food bumpers, high rims, etc.; cups with nose cut-outs or adapted handles; straws; trays (flat or at an angle); and adapted chairs can help increase their independence and participation.
Music:
Music and movement with classmates, dancing while holding hands, singing familiar songs, and imitating one another’s movements creates bonds, memories and in many instances laughter. Music is a way to connect with ourselves as well as with those around us. Instruments, pom-poms and other props can often be adapted with Velcro straps. Hand-over-hand or hand-under-hand assistance from a teacher can be used to safely participate in various parachute activities while enjoying the movement and visual stimulation. A switch-activated boom box can be used to participate in freeze dance and movement activities, providing your child with a sense of control. AAC devices can be pre-recorded to assist your child in singing along to various songs and participating in various repetitive chants (e.g. “Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar”). Beanbag chairs or various positioning devices (e.g. wedges) may also be used to help your child sit independently at circle time.
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