Updated February 2026
Workshop Presentation - Visual Aids and Strategies
EVERYONE benefits from Visual Aids!
Contact Vizually Speaking today to learn how customized Visual Aids and Strategies can decrease undesired behaviour(s), improve communication, promote independence, and increase self-confidence. Through our dynamic presentation, you will:
✓ Uncover the importance of using customized Visual Aids and Strategies.
✓ Explore the wide range of benefits of customized Visual Aids and Strategies.
✓ Learn practical ways to overcome communication barriers.
✓ Support independence and decrease undesired behaviours.
✓ Access NEW and valuable resources.
A choice board is a customized visual aid that may include real objects, photographs, pictures, symbols, line drawings, or text to support an individual in communicating what activity, item, or task they would like.
Choice boards increase motivation by giving individuals meaningful options about what comes next or what they are working toward. They help individuals stay engaged in appropriate tasks, improve communication skills, and reduce frustration and undesired behaviours.
Although the caregiver or support person controls the available options, choice boards provide the individual with a sense of control and autonomy, increasing participation, confidence, and cooperation. For a choice board to be effective, the individual must be able to choose between options, and the selected choice must be honoured whenever possible.
Choice boards are commonly used across home, school, work, therapy, and community settings, supporting individuals with autism, acquired brain injury (ABI), dementia, and other communication or cognitive challenges.
Choice boards can be used to support:
✓ Structuring free time (e.g., after school, weekends, outdoor activities)
✓ Determining the order in which tasks are completed (e.g., chores, assignments)
✓ Choosing between preferred and non-preferred activities or tasks
✓ Selecting materials or tools for an activity (e.g., markers, toys, work materials)
✓ Supporting routines when used alongside a First–Then board or visual schedule
Choice boards promote communication, independence, and engagement by providing clear, visual options that help individuals participate more fully in daily activities across environments.
Choice Boards for Adults and Seniors
Choice boards are effective communication tools for adults and seniors who experience challenges with speech, memory, processing, or decision-making. They support individuals in clearly expressing preferences, needs, and choices while promoting dignity, autonomy, and participation.
Adult-appropriate choice boards use realistic images, photographs, symbols, or words that reflect age-relevant activities, routines, and interests. They are especially beneficial for individuals living with stroke, aphasia, acquired brain injury (ABI), dementia, or other cognitive or communication challenges.
Choice Boards Can Support:
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Daily routines (meals, grooming, dressing, rest periods)
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Free-time and leisure activities (walking, music, reading, television)
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Health-care interactions (pain, needs, preferences, appointments)
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Community participation (shopping, outings, social visits)
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Task completion and sequencing
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Decision-making when verbal expression is difficult
By offering structured visual options, choice boards reduce frustration, support understanding, and encourage meaningful engagement. Although caregivers or support persons guide the available options, the individual maintains a sense of control and independence, leading to improved cooperation and quality of life.
Choice boards can be used independently or in combination with visual schedules, First–Then boards, timers, and other customized visual aids across home, care facilities, rehabilitation settings, and the community.
Vizually Speaking understands that finding time in today’s highly demanding world to create customized visual aids and strategies can be a great challenge. Vizually Speaking is committed to working collaboratively, providing step-by-step support and assisting in the development and implementation of customized visual aids and strategies.
Contact us today for your FREE consultation.cac
