Quick GuideEye Pointing and using an Etran Frame
Created 11/00
Updated 03/02
Some non-speaking children could use pictures and symbols as a means of communication
except that they have hand function difficulties that make it hard for them to point to,
reach or hold on to objects or pictures. They need a quicker and less physically demanding
means of indication.
Some other children may not really have understood yet about indicating objects or
pictures as a means of communication - but looking at interesting things placed in front of
them is a natural response. They can gradually learn to make an association between what
they look at, and interesting `rewards' that happen (also involving their favourite people) as
a result of their looking at certain items.
For both of these groups, eye pointing is, potentially, a simple and useful method of
accessing a system of communication. An ETRAN frame can be used to introduce and use
eye-pointing as a means of indication of pictures, and symbols (or letters, numbers, words)
for communication. An ETRAN frame is more or less like an empty picture frame standing
on a base. The frame is placed in front of the child, with meaningful pictures stuck around
its edges, facing the child. There is a hole in the middle of the frame - and most frames
are made of perspex or similar, so they are transparent anyway - so that the chilďs gaze
is not restricted and s/he can look around freely. When the child looks at an object or
picture on the frame, you, sitting opposite, can see where his/her eyes are going, and so
you know which item he/she is indicating.
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Positioning
The child should be sitting well at a table, with the frame square on, in front of them.
Their partner should be directly opposite them, able to make eye contact through the hole
in the centre of the frame.
If the base or feet are too low, raise the frame (e.g. stand it on books etc.)
Using the frame while moving about, lying own etc. is not really possible - although might
become viable later on, once the child has understood and got used to how the frame
works. If it is particularly important to have a frame that is to be used `on the move' or in
positions other than supported seating, it is worth thinking about getting/making a `mini'
ETRAN frame from lightweight perspex or clear plastic . (The wooden one or the full scale
perspex ones are too heavy and cumbersome to be hand-held for more than a minute or
two.)
Make it Fun
The child needs to get the idea right from the start that this is a good game. Use highly
motivating objects, food or small toys and stick these directly on to the frame, to start
with, rather than pictures. Play games with these. For example, shopping (child is shopkeeper
- you ask for the item, he has to indicate that item on his frame). Use real money,
eat real biscuits! Yuo can gradualy smix in the odd picture later.
Attaching items to the Frame
Bluetack is really the simplest and best method.
If you stick picture symbol cards on, make sure that you write what they are on the back,
so that you can see which is which! (you cannot both read their eye movements from the
front and keep popping round to the chilďs side of the frame and `sitting on his/her
shoulder' to see what they are pointing at).
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How many Objects/pictures?
Not too few (boring), not too many (overwhelming). Two, then quickly on to three is good.
Move up gradually.
First steps
(Example only - replace biscuit with whatever object/game you choose, to suit the child)
Model the activity first so the child knows what they are supposed to do. Let the child see
you sticking objects on the frame. Then turn it round so only you can see them. Make eye
contact with the child, through the frame,
Pretend you are the shop keeper and ask "what would you like today then? I've got some
nice things that you might like - would you like biscuits?"
Check the child is looking at you (full eye contact, if possible), then slowly move your gaze
from the chilďs eyes up on to the biscuits on the frame. Look fixedly at the biscuit for a
few seconds. Then say "I"ve found the biscuits, here you are" Then take the biscuit off
the frame, give it to the child and let them eat a bit.
Repeat several times, with different objects/games.
Then stick the (same) objects on facing the child. Sit opposite, make eye contact, and say
"MMM, I'm hungry, I"d like a biscuit please, can you show me where it is?"
Hopefully, they will then look at the object (it may be a very quick, fleeting glance). If so,
say "Right, good, there it is, you showed me. You looked at this (point with your finger) Iťs
the biscuit. Leťs get the biscuit ". (take it down, eat etc.)
Prompting
If they don't look at the object but at another object, point with your finger at the object
they did look at, and say "You showed me this. Iťs a cup. iťs not a biscuit. Cup is for
drinking. Shall we have a drink?" (Take the cup down and pretend to drink/give child
pretend drink) . "Now, I want a biscuit, can you see the biscuit? You show me"
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Scanning
If they still don't look at the biscuit, say, Where's the biscuit, leťs see. Leťs look for the
biscuit. You help me find it ."
"
"
Take your finger and slowly point to the item fixed in the position that is top left (to the
child) (always start at this same position). Say "Is this it? No!" . Move your finger slowly
and smoothly along to the next item along the top if the frame. Try to `take the chilďs
eyes with you' as you move your finger. "Is this it? No! . Keep doing this until you get to
the biscuit. Then say "Aha, we've found it,look, look at the biscuit! here it is, good." Then
take you finger away, make eye contact and ask "Where was it? you find the biscuit again,
look at the biscuit!" and move your eyes very slowly to the position - trying to take the
chilďs eye with your eyes as you move them.
Success
When they finally look at the biscuit, immediately put your finger on it and say "YES!!
Good!! THERE it is! You found the biscuit. you showed me the biscuit. Great! Leťs eat the
biscuit!" (take it off and eat etc.)
For Advanced Users
Special Spot
From early on, you can stick a small item on the middle bottom of the frame (for example a
round sticky label, coloured red or yellow). You won't use this at first (and it is a bit
abstract for some children, so don't worry if it seems too complicated to ever introduce,
for your user.)
Once the child has `got the idea' and is looking consistently at things, you can introduce the
spot. Instead of eye contact being the starting and finishing point, you should make eye
contact with the child briefly at first, then encourage them to look down at the `Special
Spoť, which means "I'm ready to start". Only then do you introduce the question/activity.
The child will move their eyes and eye point as required.
The child should look also down at the Special Spot when they have finished, signalling
that they are ready for another question. The Special Spot will also be the point to which
the chilďs gaze should return if s/he or the listener `get losť and need to stop and start
again. It is better to have at this point of reference, rather than just eye contact,
because otherwise you never know when the child is just looking around, looking at an item
to communicate/signal something specific, or looking at your eyes just to be in contact.
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What can go wrong?
The biggest problem with eye-pointing is for the `listening' partner rather than the
child/message-sender; it is all a bit `intangible' and can go very quickly, so it can be
difficult to be sure that you have seen and read the chilďs eye movements accurately.
Many children will look very quickly at the item than look away again, rather than fixing on
the item for a long time. You HAVE TO pick this up and react appropriately to this, or
they will not learn that eye-pointing is effective.
Do NOT make eye-pointing a boring `task' ("Show me the boy", "look at the cow". (no, you
didn't look at it properly, do it again!") Always make it conversational and fun (silly games
and out and out bribery.)
Good Luck!
Phone Sally at CALL for discussion, if you like, Tel: 0131 651 6077
Device Cost ex VAT Supplier Telephone/FAX
ETRAN Frame 94.00 CEC
Unit 2
Harlow House
Dukes Road
Newdigate
Dorking
Surrey
RH5 5BY
Tel: 01306 631 688
Fax: 01306 631688
Email: cec.co@lineone.net