Basic scan is a primarily phrase based vocabulary for emerging communicators that access communication through auditory and/or visual scanning.  Basic Scan was developed by Lisa Nobel Martin, MA, CCC-SLP specifically for the Chat Fusion and NOVA chat.  Lisa has years’ experience working with nonverbal pediatric patients at all stages of communication. Her focus on teaching auditory and visual scanning techniques to these individual’s has proven quite successful.

The Basic Scan file encompasses various communicative functions (greeting, directing, protesting, commenting, requesting, sharing information).  Page navigation is used to support language formulation.  In addition, some vocabulary is hidden and can be gradually uncovered to scaffold learning. The Basic Scan file is meant to provide a framework and example of where to begin with an emerging communicator who is using auditory and/or visual scanning as a means to access communication.  Basic Scan does not provide access to a comprehensive vocabulary. Specific items within each category can and should be modified to meet the unique needs of individuals.