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Pics for PECS 2010 SALE!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Pyramid Educational Consultants is pleased to announce our special Back to School Discount on our Pics for PECS 2010 CD! Place your order for the 2010 Pics for PECS CD and get $10.00 off the CD. Hurry this sale ends September 30th, 2010! To place your order or to receive more information about this discount please visit www.pecsproducts.com/catalog/.

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Goodbye to Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas
1927-2010

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Everyone in Pyramid mourns the passing of a great pioneer in the field of autism; O. Ivar Lovaas, PhD. Dr. Lovaas led the way for all of us to see the true range of possibilities in the education of children with autism. Pyramid is proud of the work we did together in 1999, bringing Dr. Lovaas, his wife Nina, Lori Frost and Andy Bondy to over 800 people in Chicago. We in the field of behavior analysis learned a great deal from Dr. Lovaas and he will be truly missed!

"Lori (Frost) and I enjoyed many friendly days with Ivar, including a delightful dinner at his home in California. We both were honored when he asked us to write a chapter about PECS and related visual issues for his recent major guide to working with children with autism and other disabilities, Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Basic Intervention Techniques (Bondy, A. & Frost, L. (2003). Communication strategies for visual learners. In O.I. Lovaas (Ed.). (pp. 291-303). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.)", Andrew Bondy, Ph.D.

For the complete obituary from the New York Times please click the link: www.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/health/23lovaas.html

Newly Revised and Updated PECS 151 Pictures!

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The PECS 151 Picture Collection
For Those with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

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*Click the image to link directly to the Pyramid Products page

Pyramid Educational Consultants (www.pecs.com) is pleased to announce the update and re-release of its most popular picture collection to help those with autism and other developmental disabilities communicate with those around them.

PECS 151-Revised, a highly colorful collection of pictures and symbols for visual communication for use as part of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), is available in two image sizes:

• 1 ¾” x 1 ¾” (large size) and

• 1” x 1” (small size)

Both picture sets include some of the most commonly used pictures for PECS. The list of images was compiled over several years by tracking the picture vocabulary development of a significant number of new PECS users and includes a total of 151 pictures.

Each PECS 151-Revised picture is generic and non-specific and is perfect for combining with attributes for precise requests or comments. The illustrations are in full-color, explicit, and versatile. Each set contains six Sentence Starter icons and twenty beginning attribute icons. The pictures come printed on rigid paper and are laminated, for added durability. Loop Velcoins© are included to apply to the back of the pictures, which allows them to be used with communication books, schedules, activity boards, and visual reinforcement systems – anywhere you use visual strategies!

Each set has been updated to reflect more current and commonly used pictures. Some of the new images include: “DVD,” “sensory table,” “sand play,” and “squishy toys” among others.

The PECS 151-Revised picture sets were created by Lori Frost, M.S., CCC/SLP, the co-founder of Pyramid Educational Consultants and co-creator of PECS. The sets are illustrated by Rayna Bondy, Brad Almond and Karen Kaler.

In a world of high and low tech gadgets, where does PECS (now categorized as 'no-tech') fit in?

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

High-tech, Lo-tech or No-tech?
Sophie Kerr, Clinical Director, Pyramid Australia

The world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems is in a constant state of flux. The most recent additions to this ever expanding set of tools are the iPod/iPhone apps. Some apps focus on building sentences to be shown to a listener, others function as speech generating devices (SGDs). The question for parents then becomes “What is the best option for my child?” And some of you may be asking “In a world of high and low tech gadgets, where does PECS, now categorized as a ‘no-tech’ system, fit in?”

The development of PECS began in 1985. In the 25 years since this time, numerous research papers have concluded that PECS and the protocols used to teach it are effective. PECS truly is an evidence-based system, with proven outcomes. Using PECS has improved communication skills, increased independence and decreased inappropriate behaviors in students of all ages across the world. Many students who use PECS eventually transition to using speech as their primary mode of communication. When this is the case, investment in a high-tech device may not be warranted until other options have been explored.

Those considering use of high and low tech devices must consider, weight, size, transportability, battery life, button size, voice output options, vocabulary size, communicative functions, cost and more. The beauty of the iPod/iPhone system is that it provides a light weight, transportable, low-cost option. With the development of applications like Grace App, it is clear that personalizing the system is possible with some technical know-how. However, as with any communication system, there are a range of other issues to consider.

One of the clear advantages of PECS is that with no batteries or microchips, charging and breakdowns are not a consideration. It is often recommended that PECS is the starting point for students who will eventually transition to using an SGD. Beginning with PECS allows students to learn about communication more quickly, as the pre-requisite skills are far fewer. When this is the case, students will have the ability to develop functional communication more quickly. For students who have learned PECS prior to SGD use, they also have ready access to a communication system if their high-tech device breaks down or runs out of charge.

Setting up a no-tech communication system like PECS is often far easier than setting up a high-tech device. One of the most important considerations when providing a communication system is how quickly the student will be able to use it. If the lead-in includes having to program or modify a device, the student may have an extended period without a functional communication system. In addition, a pre-requisite to using this type of picture point system is that the student can discriminate pictures. This again increases the time until the student is able to functionally communicate.

When considering a communication system, always think back to the definition of communication. Communication involves approaching a communication partner and delivering a message. While it is possible to teach both of these skills using high-tech devices (most effectively done through the use of techniques from the PECS protocol), it is often easier to teach these skills using a no-tech system like PECS. With no voice output, the PECS user must approach their communication partner to deliver their message, thus ensuring the skill of social approach is required.

On the whole, whether choosing a no-tech, low-tech or high-tech communication system, it is essential that communication systems are customized to best suit the individual student. When doing so, always consider what is being taught and how it will be taught. The Pyramid Approach to Education and PECS protocol provide a strong base for teaching any communication system. A focus on no-tech systems can provide a functional communication system with very little lead in.

Consider starting with a no-tech system and transitioning to a high-tech system if the individual does not develop speech. This will also allow time for the newest editions to high-tech communication systems to be further developed and made more user friendly.

PECS Related Research Available!

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Our Research page has been updated to include 19 NEW research publications related to PECS. The complete list of new publications is listed below.

For more information or to view the full list of PECS Related Research, please click here- www.pecsusa.com/research.php

A Gracious Thank You

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

7th January 2010

Dear Lori (Frost) and Andy (Bondy),

I’m writing to say a very appreciative thank you for all the resources you have donated to the Special Needs Project here in Jinja Uganda.

I, Uganda teachers, children and parents are over joyed at the generosity you have shown.

I have been working out in Uganda now since September 2008 setting up primary education and an outreach service for children aged 0 -18 years with a variety of disabilities.

The special needs unit is a residential facility attached to a government run primary school. Soft Power Education (SPE) refurbished 2 dorms, 2 bathrooms, 2 classrooms and created a fabulous physiotherapy/soft play room.

The unit caters for 36 children with physical and intellectual disabilities with a high percentage displaying communication difficulties. This is where my training in PECS (I have attended all of your courses over the years whilst being a SEN teacher/Assistant Head in the UK over the past 12 years) and your resources have made a major impact on many children’s lives.

The resources have been used to train the Uganda teachers and Uganda outreach staff to implement with the children in the school and on the outreach.

We have registered just over 200 children in the rural villages with disabilities who have never been to school. So initially we are targeting 50 of these twice a week on the outreach and 36 in the school.

Over time we will be running community workshops for the parents and extended families in the use of PECS.

It’s a fantastic project (a bit biased as I set it up)!! But it would not be flourishing the way it is if it wasn’t for people like you donating resources and funds. So thank you very much for your continued support.

Best Wishes and Many Thanks,

Sarah Louise

Pyramid Educational Consultants is on Facebook!

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Are you a fan of PECS and a Facebook member? Now you can be both! Support PECS –USA on Facebook. Log into Facebook and search for PECS –USA to become a fan!

The PECS –USA Facebook page will offer open forums for discussion about augmentative communication and allow you to post your thoughts on PECS. Our Facebook page will provide announcements about exciting and rare upcoming events and product updates. This page will also have a direct link to our webpage www.pecs.com.

Join the discussion!

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Pyramid-PECS Message Board

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Join thousands of other members on the Pyramid-PECS Message Board!

Our online message board is a great way to connect with the worldwide PECS community. Share success stories, post PECS implementaton questions, learn about the newest PECS strategies and offer assistance to other PECS users.

Join today at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/pyramid-pecs

PECS Training in Spanish

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Interested in hosting a PECS Training in Spanish?

Don't miss out on the opportunity to bring PECS Training in Spanish to your staff and/or community! PECS Basic Training and PECS Advanced Training now available in Spanish! Schedule your training today!

Please contact Katya Hazelden at khazelden@pecs.com to find out how to bring Spanish training to your location.

For information regarding Pyramid and PECS in Spanish, please visit www.pecs-spain.com.

BACB CEUs

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. is pleased to announce that we now offer BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) CEUs at our workshops!

Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. is an Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Provider and is able to arrange and oversee Type 2 Continuing Education Events for BACB Certification. Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts are eligible to receive 7.0 BACB CEUs for the PECS Basic Training and 12.5 BACB CEUs for the PECS Advanced Training. Credits are availble for many of our other workshops, as well.

Pyramid Approach Basic Training

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

No matter what, where or who you are teaching, the Pyramid Approach can help you do it better!

Pyramid is proud to announce the launch of our newest workshop, the Pyramid Approach Basic Training! Don't miss the opportunity to attend this dynamic training! 2010 Dates & Locations are listed below:

January 25 & 26, 2010 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

May 24 & 25, 2010 (Bloomington, Minnesota)

August 16 & 17, 2010 (Boston, Massachusetts)

August 19 & 20, 2010 (San Francisco, California)

September 9 & 10, 2010 (Chicago, Illinois)

December 6 & 7, 2010 (Piscataway, New Jersey)

General Description: The Pyramid Approach to Education is a comprehensive frameword for establishing effective learning environments. Through the use of applied behavior analysis, this approach provides the foundation for a positive environment for growth. The Pyramid emphasizes how to teach, rather than simply what to teach, in order to maximize an individual's learning outcomes.

To register for this training or for more information, click here

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This course is offered for 1.3 ASHA CEUs (Advanced Level, Professional Area).

PECS-USA.com Offical RSS Feed

Pics for PECS 2010 SALE!

Goodbye to Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

Newly Revised and Updated PECS 151 Pictures!

The PECS 151 Picture Collection For Those with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

In a world of high and low tech gadgets, where does PECS (now categorized as 'no-tech') fit in?

PECS Related Research Available!

A Gracious Thank You

Pyramid Educational Consultants is on Facebook!

Pyramid-PECS Message Board

PECS Training in Spanish

BACB CEUs

Pyramid Approach Basic Training

The PECS 151 Picture Collection
For Those with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities