PECS™ (Picture Exchange Communication System)
This is an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) intervention style and system that can be implemented with both children and adults.
This system is targeted towards individuals who lack the ability to verbally communicate or whose speech is considered non-functional/non-purposeful. PECS® follows a structured and specific training protocol to teach individuals how to communicate using pictures/images (often paired with text) which represent the words that create their requests and comments. PECS® can be used as an individual’s main mode of communication, as a supplement to help support clarity of an individual’s message, or as a stepping stone leading to a more advanced speech-generating device. PECS® is considered a low-tech system, as images are printed, laminated and then placed in a binder/book with velcro.