Teaching Beginning Communication with Inexpensive Single Buttons
                     Teaching Beginning Communication with 
Inexpensive Single Buttons 
Introduction:
If you’re reading this, you most likely know someone who is non-verbal 
or has very limited communication skills. They may communicate 
through grunts, pushing things away, or throwing that tantrum in the 
grocery store isle that seems to last waaaay too long. As a caregiver, 
therapist or teacher, our job is to replace those methods of 
communication with functional, socially appropriate communication 
that is understood even by unfamiliar listeners. Inexpensive, single 
button communication devices are a great way to begin this process.
Single button communication devices:
Single button communication devices are portable and can be mounted 
on various surfaces. It’s easy to change recordings “on the fly”. 
Additional buttons can be added as the user’s skill level increases. Single 
button communications device prices vary from under $30 for the Talk 
About! Communication Button from Adaptive Tech Solutions to more 
advanced multi-level communications buttons like the Little Step-by-Step 
with levels from AbleNet.
So let’s talk about beginning communication with a single button 
communication device.
For beginning users, how do you choose a message to teach single 
switch communication device use? Think of the most motivating, 
meaningful activity for the user. Make sure it is something they love, 
love, love! It could be something like “I want chocolate milk” or “I want 
to go outside and play”. Place a picture or representational object on the 
button, record your message, and make the button available for the user. 
Don’t give them the desired activity or thing unless they press the 
button. When first starting out, you may have to place their hand on the 
button, let the button speak, and then say “Oh, you want ______.” and 
then give it to them immediately. Don’t offer a choice that isn’t realistic. 
If it’s 20 degrees outside, don’t give them a button that says “I want to 
go outside and play.” 
Some users understand pictures, others may need representational 
objects or to have one of these paired up with the location of the 
button. For instance, a beginning user may not quite understand that 
a photo of the playground represents going outside to play. But, put 
that picture on it and mount the button next to the door that leads 
to the playground. Every time you are going to the playground, have 
them touch the button that says “I want to go to the playground” (or 
provide hand-over-hand if they don’t initiate pushing the button on 
their own). Once that button is pressed and it speaks, take them right 
to the playground.
Contact:
1071 Chickasaw Rd
Sand Springs, OK 74063
USA
Call or text us at (918) 637-7390
For more information about Wireless Call Button and visit here: 
https://www.adaptivetechsolutions.com/blog/teaching-beginning-c
ommunication-with-inexpensive-single-buttons-/ 
Thank You