Blind Pioneers

Writing an Effective Communication Plan

 

According to the Effective Communication Guidance from the US DOE and US DOJ:

 

“As a best practice, schools should consult with the parent or guardian (and students, as appropriate) at the first opportunity regarding what auxiliary aids or services are appropriate and update information about these preferences at least every year or whenever the parent or guardian requests a change.”

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Parents can assist their child in documenting their primary preferences and auxiliary aids and services to submit these as an Effective Communication Plan (ECP) to the school. Plans are more successful when written collaboratively with the TVI, Assistive Technology Specialist, and school team. A student will use a various modalities and devices according to the subject or activity; math and science subjects will be different from language-based subjects as will communication in music class or the lunchroom.

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The student’s communication plan should consider how the student will receive and communicate information in various tasks and settings, such as:

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1. Language Arts - Reading and Note-taking

2. Science and Math - Reading and Note-taking

3. Textbooks - Reading and Note-taking

4. In-person Teacher Slide Presentations on board and note-taking

5. Teacher handwriting on the board

6. Student’s use of multiple documents simultaneously

7. Class handouts, homework sourced from optical character recognition (OCR) formats

8. Class handouts and homework sourced from hard copy documents

9. Diagrams, images, maps

10. Testing

11. Testing feedback

12. Presentations – student solo

13. Presentations – student in a group

14. Project-based Learning / Group work

15. Student finding a group

16. Project-based Learning / Individual work

17. Student requests for assistance

18. Science Lab Participation

19. Assembly or Club Presentations

20. Extracurricular Activities – materials and mobility

21. Math and Science classwork and homework

22. Math and Science graphing and plotting

23. Lunch Menu

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Below are some examples of Effective Communication Plans. These ECP’s were developed collaboratively with school teams so additional information is included:

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• Pro’s and Con’s column helps teachers understand the benefits or limitations of the communication.

• Acquisition Mode column helps the team understand roles, responsibilities, and timelines in the adaptation process.

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Sample Effective Communication Plans:

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ECP for a Legally Blind Student - sample 1

ECP for a Legally Blind Student - sample 2

ECP for a Blind Student