Understanding Visual Supports
Visual supports use pictures, symbols, written words or objects to make information easier to understand and use. They can support communication, routines, choices, transitions, learning and greater independence.
VISUAL SUPPORT ISN'T UNUSUAL.
We all rely on visual information
In fact, visual supports already all around us. We use visual information every day, often without even thinking about it.
We recognise meaning from visual information everyday - often without needing words .
Why does visual information help?
Quicker to recognise
Information can be identified more quickly.
Easier to understand
Visual information
can make meaning clearer.
Available to refer back to
Unlike spoken
information, a visual can
remain there to look
at again.
This can reduce unnecessary demand and make everyday information easier to navigate.
A visual needs to mean something
-
Recognisable
-
Understandable
-
Meaningful
Visual supports should be chosen with the individual in mind - their understanding, communication style, interests and needs.
How can visual supports help?
Understanding
Make information more concrete and easier to revisit.
Communication
Support expression, choice and participation.
Predictability
Show what is happening now and what will happen next.
Breaking things down
Turn routines or activities into manageable steps.
Memory
Reduce reliance on remembering spoken information or repeated verbal prompts.
Independence
Provide information that might otherwise need to be repeatedly given by another person.
Do visual supports create dependence?
Providing information visually does not automatically create dependence on visual supports. We all use visual information to navigate daily life - from road signs and calendars to maps, phone icons and written reminders.
For some people, having information available visually can actually reduce dependence on another person. A schedule, choice board or Now & Next board can allow someone to access information for themselves rather than needing to repeatedly ask or be verbally reminded.
The right visual can support greater independence!
Instead of:
"I need someone to tell me what happens next."
"I can look and find out for myself."
With accessible visual information:
SUPPORT DOESN'T HAVE TO
DISAPPEAR TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Need it less over time
As understanding, skills or confidence develop, a particular visual may be needed less.
Continue to benefit from it
A visual may continue to provide understanding, communication, choice or independence.
NEITHER SHOULD BE THE MEASURE OF SUCCESS.
The goal isn't to remove support,
The goal is for the support to be useful,
accessible, and appropriate to the individual.
Visual supports should work for the individual
Visual supports are not one-size-fits-all. What is useful will depend on the individual, their needs, interests, and communication style. Supports should be relevant, introduced respectfully and reviewed and adapted as needs change.
Visual supports do not replace speech, connection or interaction. They can be used alongside spoken language, signs, gestures, communication devices and other ways of communicating.
The right support isn't about what somebody can't do.
It's about giving them accessible information that can help them choose, understand and navigate more independently.
