Promoting parity refers to maintaining balance between the partners in a communicative exchange. Often, students with complex communication needs (CCN) fall into a passive role where things are done to them, for them and around them. Maintaining active engagement from a student with CCN requires keen observation from the partner, along with modified pacing of the interaction. The partner must be actively engaged in the conversation or activity, and also continually “check in” with the student’s engagement. This involves simple preparatory statements such as “are you ready?”, “shall we begin?”, “how does that sound?”, etc.; and monitoring for responses from the student. These responses are typically quick and body-based or gestural (vocalizing, nodding or shaking head, looking towards materials, etc.). In this manner, over time students learn to take on a more active role in interactions and demonstrate their engagement to partners.
Ms Aileen helps Abigail present her story to everyone at Open House. She establishes parity between herself and Abigail with pacing and prompting that keeps Abigail engaged.
