The Language Ladder 

When teaching the strategy of Supported Typing, the Language Ladder (Hanson, 2004) is a great tool for establishing the communicative abilities of the individual and practicing purposeful pointing and beginning typing.  As an individual moves up the ladder, communication skills become increasingly more difficult.  

At STAR, we work 1:1 with individuals and their communication partners on how to effectively use the Language Ladder when communicating.  We will demonstrate the relationship between level of support as it relates to more complex communication, and how to fade those supports with practice.  Using the Language Ladder, the strategy of Supported Typing is easy to learn!  Let us help you get started!   

Some individuals enjoy practicing independent pointing and typing with exercises at the lower levels of the Language Ladder, as in spelling words and true/false questions.  More supports may be needed as the communication exercises become more intense. At STAR, we can help determine a practice schedule to meet your needs and move to more complex communication abilities, such as answering open-ended questions, over time.

Download the Language Ladder PDF.