Choice Power Slides Communication For All
Multi-Modal Choice Making
Choice Power
My voice matters. I can tell you what I want, like, or need.
Eye Gaze
Look to choose
Point / Reach
Touch to choose
AAC / Sound
Press or vocalize
Communication Modes
How Do I Choose?
LOOK
Look at the object or picture you want. Hold your gaze.
Eye Gaze
TOUCH
Reach, tap, point, or grasp the choice you prefer.
Point / Reach
PRESS
Hit a big switch, tap your communication device, or make a sound.
Switch / AAC
Every way you choose is valid and respected!
All modes welcomed
Core Vocabulary
Target Word: WANT
Aided Language Stimulation
WANT
"I want something"
Teacher & Aide Prompting
1. Model on Board or Device
Point to "WANT" symbol while saying "I WANT" in a clear, warm voice.
2. Pair with Real Object
Hold up two motivating sensory items at chest height or student eye level.
3. Honor the First Response
Immediately deliver the chosen item to reinforce cause-and-effect agency.
Practice phrase: "You pointed to music! You WANT music!"
Power Words
More or All Done?
MORE
"Keep going! I like this."
Show with two hands tapping together or touching the green symbol.
ALL DONE
"Stop! I need a break."
Honor refusal instantly. Validates self-advocacy and emotional safety.
Teaching Tip: Honoring "ALL DONE" builds trust faster than any other communication skill.
Practice Time
Which Do You Want?
2-Item Field Presentation
Option 1
MUSIC
Listen to favorite rhythm or gentle chime sound.
Option 2
LIGHTS
Watch colorful sensory light or glowing fiber optics.
Step 1
Show items side-by-side
Step 2
Ask: "What do you want?"
Step 3
Wait for eye gaze or reach
Crucial Strategy
Wait, Watch & Listen
Count to 10
Students with severe disabilities often need 10–15 seconds to process motor and visual information.
Silence the Noise
Do not repeat the question immediately. Extra verbal prompts reset the student's processing clock.
Notice All Cues
A shift in breathing, eyebrow flash, head tilt, or smile can signal intentional choice and engagement.
"Wait time is not empty time—it is thinking, planning, and moving time."
You Made Your Choice!
Every gaze, touch, and press gives you power over your day.
Acknowledge
"I saw you look at music! You chose music."
Deliver Reward
Provide immediate access to the selected item or activity.
Choice Power Routine • Building Independence Day by Day
Choice Power Lesson Plan Specialized Instructional Framework
Choice Power Lesson Plan
Target: Severe ID & Nonverbal / AAC
Duration: 25–30 Mins (or Daily Routine)
Communication Focus
Intentional Choice-Making
Eye-gaze, direct point, touch, or voice-output switch.
Target Core Vocabulary
WANT • MORE • ALL DONE
Aided language modeling across real sensory objects.
IEP Alignment
Self-Determination / AAC
Express preference given a field of 2 motivating stimuli.
Preparation & Materials Checklist
• High-Motivator Pairs:
Sensory light wand, music shaker, tactile brush, wind-up toy, vibrating massager, or bubble solution.
• Contrasting Options (Preference checks):
One known high-interest item vs. one neutral/unmotivating item (e.g., plain sponge or neutral block).
• Physical Access Hardware:
E-Tran transparent acrylic eye-gaze frame, slant boards, or big switch buttons.
• Visual Symbol Supports:
High-contrast 2-choice card holders, tactile symbol cards, and Choice Power slide deck.
Least-to-Most Prompt Hierarchy for AAC & Choice
Prompt Level
Educator Action
Processing Key
1. Independent
Present 2 items at chest/eye level. Ask: "What do you want?" Observe eyes, head, or hands.
Wait full 10–15 seconds in silence.
2. Indirect Cue
Gently shake or illuminate both items alternately: "Look at music... look at light."
Re-orient visual attention; wait 10s.
3. Direct Model
Educator points to choice symbol on board or taps switch while saying: "I touch music!"
Demonstrates communicative function.
4. Hand-Under-Hand
Place your hand under student's hand to gently guide toward chosen item. Never force hand-over-hand.
Preserves autonomy and sensory consent.
Golden Rule: Always honor the student's selected item immediately, even if you suspect it was accidental.
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Step-by-Step Instructional Phases
Choice Power Implementation Routine
1
Warm-Up & Sensory Readiness (5 Mins)
Sensory Regulation
Ensure student is in optimal seating alignment (head supported, feet grounded, tray at midline). Display Slide 1 & 2. Introduce the concept of choice through calm voice and modeling: "Today, you are the boss. You pick what we do!"
2
Aided Language Modeling with Core Word "WANT" (7 Mins)
Core Vocabulary
Display Slide 3. Teacher points to the large WANT icon on the communication board while voicing: "I WANT bubbles!" Immediately blow bubbles for 10 seconds. Model: "I chose, and I got bubbles!"
3
Guided Choice Trials (10–12 Mins)
Active Student Engagement
Present two motivating objects spaced 12–18 inches apart. Present Slide 5. Ask: "Which one do you want?" Implement the 10-second wait rule. If student gazes for 3+ seconds or reaches for item, affirm verbally: "You looked at music! You chose music!" Hand item immediately for 30–45 seconds of interaction.
4
Closing: Celebrating Agency & "ALL DONE" (5 Mins)
Self-Advocacy
Display Slide 4 & 7. Practice the contrast between MORE (keep enjoying) and ALL DONE . When student turns head away, blinks tightly, or pushes item away, say: "You showed me ALL DONE. We stop." Reinforces trust and refusal rights.
Session Observational Data Log
Record trial results during daily session
Trial
Items Presented
Response Mode
Prompt Level
Notes / Reaction
1
e.g. Music vs Light
Eye gaze / Point / Switch
Indep / Model / Guide
Smiled, tracked right side
2
3
4
5
Choice Power Lesson Plan • Special Education & AAC Department Page 2 of 2
Choice Making Visual Boards Printable AAC Communication Board
Choice Power 2-Choice Board
Laminate • Add Velcro Dots
Eye-Gaze / Direct Point Access
Core Vocabulary Modeling Strip
WANT Action / Desire
LOOK Attention / Gaze
MORE Continue
ALL DONE Finished / Stop
High-Contrast Choice Selection Targets (Field of 2)
Position 12–16 inches apart for eye gaze tracking
Option 1 (Left)
Attach Card
or rest real object here
Look here or reach to touch
Option 2 (Right)
Attach Card
or rest real object here
Look here or reach to touch
Tip for E-Tran / Eye Gaze: Cut out the center space to observe student's eye movements through the board.
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Cut-Out Communication Symbols
Sensory & Activity Choice Cards
Cut along dotted lines • 8 Cards
3" × 3.25" High-Contrast Format
Sensory
MUSIC
Songs / Shaker
Sensory
LIGHTS
Glow / Wand
Sensory
BUBBLES
Blow / Pop
Sensory
BLANKET
Pressure / Cozy
Movement
SWING / BALL
Rock / Bounce
Tactile
VIBRATION
Massager / Tube
Hydration
DRINK
Water / Sip
Regulation
QUIET BREAK
Rest / Calm Space
Verification Pair: Yes / No Response Cards
YES
"I want this" • Affirmative
NO
"Not that" • Negation / Refusal
Choice Power Communication Kit • Print on Cardstock for Durability Page 2 of 2
