Partner-assisted scanning board with pictures: free printable

Who it’s for

Children and adults who can’t point, or for whom pointing is slow, tiring or hard to read, but who can give a clear yes: a look, a smile, a sound, a hand or foot movement. Everything on this board is a picture or a short phrase, so it works for people who don’t spell. For spelling, use the partner scanning letter board, page 2 of the eye gaze board.

How partner-assisted scanning works

1. Agree on a yes signal and write it on page 2, so every partner knows it. A no signal helps too; some people use no response as no.
2. Ask “Which group?” and read the group names in order, pointing to each: “I want… I feel… people… quick words… something else.” Pause after each one.
3. At the yes, check it. Say the group back (“I feel?”) and wait for a second yes.
4. Read the pictures in that group the same way, one at a time.
5. Say the whole message: “You feel tired.” If that isn’t it, start again at the groups.

Read at the same steady pace and in the same order every time. Knowing the order lets the person get ready before you reach the choice they want.

Why groups, and why “something else”

Reading 25 pictures one by one takes a long time, and the person has to stay ready all the way through. With five groups of five, every picture is two choices away: the group, then the picture. The last group matters most. It’s not here tells you the board doesn’t have the word, so you can ask questions instead of guessing. Ask me yes or no invites those questions, and start again fixes a wrong pick without fuss. Read the last group every time, even when you think you know the answer.

Show how it works

People learn a board by seeing it used. Now and then, scan for yourself, out loud: “I feel… tired. I’m tired too.” Use the board at ordinary moments, not only to ask questions, and answer every yes, even one you weren’t expecting.

What’s on the board

1. I want

• a drink
• a snack
• play
• music
• outside

2. I feel

• happy
• sad
• mad
• tired
• it hurts

3. People

• Mom
• Dad
• a friend
• teacher
• me

4. Quick words

• more
• stop
• go
• help
• all done

5. Something else

• it’s not here
• ask me yes or no
• I don’t know
• wait
• start again

Printing tips

• Print on card stock and laminate it. Hold it where the person can see it, even if they mostly listen.
• Keep page 2 with the board, so a new partner, like a substitute, a babysitter or a nurse, scans the same way.
• Use the blank board for the person’s own groups: favorite people, shows, places. Keep five groups or fewer, and always keep a something else group.
• For quick answers, use the yes and no board; for two or four real choices, the choice boards.
• For more ways to talk without pointing, read AAC and cerebral palsy: touch, switches, eye gaze and partner-assisted scanning.