Special needs · Non-speaking learners and AAC
Every way of communicating counts in the lesson
Pencil Spaces helps non-speaking students and those who use AAC take part online, with a shared board for pointing and choosing, their AAC system in view and time to respond.
Free for 2 weeks on any paid plan. No credit card required.
Area
Communication and interaction
Who it helps
Non-speaking and minimally speaking learners, learners who use AAC, therapists, tutors, special schools and families
What lessons need
Time to respond, choice-making, visual supports, their own AAC system in the lesson
In Pencil Spaces
7 features available today, 1 coming soon
Part of
What do non-speaking learners need from an online lesson?
Some learners communicate without speech, or with very little, using signs, pictures, pointing or an AAC device or app. Online lessons work when every one of those is welcome and there’s time for the learner to respond.
- Point and choose on the boardPen & Touch · AvailableLearners touch, circle or drag a picture on the board to make a choice.
- Picture choicesImages & Video · AvailablePut two or three pictures on the board, and let the learner pick.
- Nothing between them and the choicesChild Mode · AvailableChild Mode hides chat, boards and apps and leaves five big tools, so the screen is just the choices and the teacher’s face.
- Their AAC system in viewDocument Camera · AvailableShow a communication book or AAC device on a document camera, second webcam or iPhone, so the teacher can see every choice.
- A big face to watchVideo Layouts · AvailableOne person full size makes signs, gestures and expressions easier to see.
- Words to point toText · AvailableTyped words and phrases on the board give learners who read something to point to.
- Every message celebratedCelebrations · AvailableConfetti, reactions and stickers mark a right answer or a hard-won step.
- Words read aloudRead Aloud · Coming soonRead Aloud will let a student click a block of text and hear it, as often as they need.
The features behind it
Why can online lessons be hard for non-speaking learners?
Most online lessons are built around talk. A non-speaking learner can be left watching, or asked yes-or-no questions only.
AAC takes time. Video lag and fast turn-taking mean an answer can still be coming when the teacher has moved on.
What does a lesson look like in Pencil Spaces?
The teacher puts three pictures on the board: a ball, a book and a song. The learner looks at the choices, then touches the book on their tablet screen. The teacher says “book” and points to the same symbol on her own communication board, held up to the camera.
How do therapists use Pencil Spaces with non-speaking learners?
Speech-language pathologists coach AAC live by pointing a document camera, a second webcam or a phone at the student’s device. The therapist sees every selection and can model on a picture of the same grid on the board.
Families and classroom aides can join the Space to learn the same modeling, so the device gets used all week, not just in therapy. Lesson Summaries give the family a written recap in a version written for parents.
Tips for teaching non-speaking learners online
- Wait longer than feels natural for a response.
- Model on the learner’s own AAC system as you talk.
- Offer real choices, not just yes or no.
- Learn the learner’s signs and gestures from the family.
- Treat every attempt to communicate as meaningful.
Good to know
Pencil Spaces doesn’t include an AAC app of its own. Learners use the AAC system they already have, shown on camera or used alongside the lesson.
Questions people ask
Can non-speaking children take part in online lessons?
Yes. In Pencil Spaces, learners take part by touching and choosing on the shared board, signing on camera or showing their AAC device or communication book. The teacher builds choices into every activity.
Can a learner use their AAC device in the lesson?
Yes. Learners use their own AAC device or app alongside the lesson. A document camera, second webcam or iPhone can show a communication book or device to the teacher.
Is Pencil Spaces an AAC app?
No. Pencil Spaces is a virtual classroom. It works alongside the AAC system a learner already uses, with a shared board, pictures, video and time to respond.
How do you check understanding without speech?
Offer choices. Put pictures or words on the board and ask the learner to touch, circle or drag the answer. Polls let a group answer with a tap.
Related needs
- Speech, language and communication needs
- Autism
- Moderate learning difficulties (MLD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Every special need
Related problems
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