There are many good reasons for using visual schedules with children who have disabilities. A visual schedule: provides structure and predictability, makes abstract time concepts (such as “later”, “next”, or “last”) more concrete, can help the child with unexpected changes in the regular schedule or as a task analysis schedule to teach new skills.
The ACT team found that the iPad app FTVS HD app: (FTVS = First Then Visual Schedule) has been essential for providing these supports to students. In addition to creating visual schedules and first/then boards, the app allows the teachers or parents to include task analyses, choice boards, social stories, and video models.
It is important to remember, however, that digital is not always better or appropriate. Certain students still need the physical and kinesthetic movement with “ripping” a task off the Velcro from a visual board and putting it away.
The ACT team found that the iPad app FTVS HD app: (FTVS = First Then Visual Schedule) has been essential for providing these supports to students. In addition to creating visual schedules and first/then boards, the app allows the teachers or parents to include task analyses, choice boards, social stories, and video models.
It is important to remember, however, that digital is not always better or appropriate. Certain students still need the physical and kinesthetic movement with “ripping” a task off the Velcro from a visual board and putting it away.