Eye gaze, sometimes also called eye pointing, is the using of the eyes to direct a communication partner’s attention. It is a quiet strategy, and sometimes subtle. Effective use of eye gaze requires the focus of both the user and the communication partner.
We all use our eyes when we communicate without even thinking about it. We look pointedly at people, roll our eyes at them, and express a variety of emotions. Many aac users who are able to use direct selection nevertheless also use eye gaze to identify something they want in the environment.
First of all, for these two children, I’ve recommended the use of partner assisted scanning (PAS) with a more comprehensive communication book or board than the students can use just now. This will give them access to more vocabulary than they can currently access using large arm movements or limited eye gaze that has been tried with them so far; which has been just choices of two items.
I’m also providing them with simple eye gaze communication books with 4 symbols per page. This moves them forward with eye gaze access, and we’ll keep on growing these responses as we can.
Most of all, I’m providing families and school teams with training. I always begin with talking about Aided Language Stimulation, and the importance of using modeling consistently when communicating with these students, whether using the PAS book systems or the eye gaze boards.
If you’re looking for some eye gaze boards to use with your students, you can find one version of a free eye gaze system available on-line, through Speakbook, here in English, French and Spanish.
For some good videos of eye gaze in action, take a look at these from the Bridge School.
Keep on talking - however you do it.
