Innovative ways to use 3-D

Did you know that 3-D can help teachers teach core vocabulary to students with significant cognitive disabilities? And did you know the GHAEA Media Center has 3-D printers on hand? 
     Recently, school psychologist Brandi Krakowski contacted Julia Hood (supervisor, media support services) about creating 3-D tactile symbols.         
     “The use of core vocabulary is important for teaching students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex communication needs to communicate symbolically with a variety of people for a variety of purposes,” says Brandi.
     She explains that a set of 36 core vocabulary words have been identified that are useful for a wide range of communicative purposes in a variety of contexts and topics. Core vocabulary words are primarily composed of pronouns, verbs, descriptors, and prepositions (very few nouns). “The use of augmentative and alternative communication is often used to teach this vocabulary and may include words, pictures, tactile symbols,” she added.  
     “Each of the tactile symbols that Julia created on the GHAEA 3-D printer represents one of the core vocabulary words and includes a unique raised element, the printed word and braille,” Brandi added. “Tactile symbols are most useful for students who have low vision or who need a more concrete representation of a word than is available in a written, spoken or picture format.”
     Visit the Project Core website at project-core.com for more on core vocabulary.