Calendar Systems
For individuals who are deafblind, calendar systems provide a concrete means of what is going to happen in the person's day.
Calendars come in many forms. The selection of a specific type of calendar is based on the needs and abilities of each individual. They may be as simple as a single basket containing an object that represents "What I am going to do now." They may have a series of compartments that contain objects, parts of objects, photographs, line drawings or tactile symbols representing the activities of the day. Some calendars include a symbol for choice-making that allows the person to select a favourite activity. Others may look very much like regular calendars consisting of months, days and dates with information in large print or Braille.
Now and Finished Boxes Morning, Afternoon & Evening Boxes Morning Routine Boxes
Why do we use calendar systems?
- to develop communication skills, both receptive and expressive
- to provide security and emotional support
- to provide structure and organization
- to develop comprehension of the task from beginning to end
- to build memory skills
- to teach and manage the concept of time
- to provide opportunities for concept development
- to provide a structure for conversation between the individual and their Intervenor.
Weekly Calendar with word cues Weekly Calendar with picture cues Weekly Calendar with picture symbols
Cues
Concrete, tactile, pictorial or physical cues are all part of TOTAL COMMUNICATION APPROACH (TCA). Cues are used in conjunction with speech, sign and gestures. Cues can be used with calendar systems to represent activities or a person.
Tactile Cues are used with individuals with very limited/no vision. These cues are often representative of the texture of a specific place or person.
Olfactory (Scent) Cues can also represent a certain activity or person, and is especially great to use with someone with limited/no vision. Examples could include: scent of lavender represents massage, and lavender scented oil is used during the massage, a coffee cup with coffee grounds lining the inside represents coffee or going out for coffee.
Pictorial Cues can be magazine pictures, photographs, picture communication symbols, or drawings. These are used with individuals with some residual vision.
Some cues are a combination of the above. For example, swimming trunks represent swimming and are tactile (feel of material), concrete and scent (smell of chlorine).
BC Outreach Program for Individuals with Deafblindness
Blaha, Robbie & Moss, Kate, Let Me Check My Calendar, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, See/Hear Winter 1997
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