Tap AACPotty visual schedule: free printable toilet steps
A potty visual schedule breaks using the toilet into small picture steps: go to the bathroom, pants down, sit, wipe, flush, pants up, wash hands, dry hands. Hung by the toilet, it shows what comes next, so you can point instead of talk. This free PDF has the eight steps, 20 picture cards and a schedule for putting them in your own order.
Download the free PDF US Letter, 3 pages, 607 KB
Printing on A4 paper? Download the A4 PDF (3 pages, 607 KB). Or pick one page shape for every page:
Portrait (tall page, 3 pages): US Letter PDF (610 KB) · A4 PDF (610 KB)
Landscape (wide page, 3 pages): US Letter PDF (609 KB) · A4 PDF (609 KB)
Edit this board in the free board maker: change the words and pictures, then print.
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How to use a potty visual schedule
- Hang it at the person’s eye level, beside the toilet or on the back of the door, where they can see it while sitting.
- Point to each step as it happens. Say one or two words: “Pants down.” “Wipe.”
- Help less over time. At first, do each step together. Later, just point to the picture.
- Praise the steps, not only the result. Flushing and washing hands count too.
- Use the same pictures everywhere. A copy at school or daycare keeps the steps the same in every bathroom.
Make it match the person
The steps on page 1 suit someone who sits on the toilet. If they use a potty chair, swap in the potty card from page 2. If they use wipes, need more help, or do things in a different order, rebuild the steps with the cards on the schedule on page 3. Two blank cards are there for anything else, like a step stool or a photo of the bathroom at school.
Jonah has washed his hands and heads for the door, dripping. His teacher points to the last picture: “Dry hands.” He goes back, grabs the towel and dries them. “All done!” And back to class.
The eight steps
- bathroom
- pants down
- sit on toilet
- wipe
- flush
- pants up
- wash hands
- dry hands
The pants down, pants up and flush pictures have an arrow drawn on them to show the movement.
Printing tips
- Laminate the steps, or slide them into a sheet protector. Bathrooms get splashed.
- Use tape that peels off cleanly, so the page can move to another bathroom.
- So the person can ask to go, keep a needs board (it has bathroom) or a bathroom card where they spend the day.
- Keep a set of cards in a zip bag for days out.
Toilet learning takes a different amount of time for every person. If you have questions about it, ask the person’s doctor, nurse or therapist.
More free boards
-
Hand washing visual sequenceEight steps from water on to clean hands, when to wash, and small strips for the sink. -
Getting dressed visual scheduleUnderwear to coat, one step at a time, plus clothes cards for any weather. -
Morning routine chartEight steps from wake up to backpack, with picture cards and a make-your-own schedule. -
Needs boardBathroom, a drink, food, a break, help, quiet and more, with yes, no and stop.
Need a different board? Make your own with the free AAC board maker.
Making a schedule? Use the free visual schedule maker: routines ready to open and change.
These boards and guides are general information, not therapy or medical advice, and they don’t replace a speech therapist. A speech therapist who knows the person can help choose the right words, pictures and layout. The boards are free to print and share; please don’t sell them (terms of use). Questions about the boards? Email support@lmnoplabs.fun.