Out of My Mind

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

ACTIVITY: Choose Your Own Augmented Alternative Communication Device

You’re in the market for an augmented alternative communication (AAC) device and have a budget of $2,000. Research AAC devices, identifying those within your budget and thinking about The Importance of Communication. Provide a list of benefits and drawbacks of your chosen device and explain why you chose it.

• List an AAC device that you wanted to choose but did not and explain why.
• List an AAC device that you did not want to choose and explain why.

Teaching Suggestion: Review the functions of AAC devices and how people use them. Facilitate this activity by reminding students that the users of these devices are generally nonspeaking and rely on the devices for communication with their loved ones, friends, health care professionals, strangers, and others.

Paired Text Extension:

Design a message with your AAC for Shawn, the main character of Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman. Shawn is 14 years old and is a genius. He has no control over his body and is nonspeaking because he has cerebral palsy. Shawn also believes his father is planning to kill him.