Visual Voices: Using Canva to Enhance Communication in Special Education

Students with exceptional needs who are nonverbal or have limited communication skills often face barriers when expressing their basic wants and needs. While communication devices and programs exist, schools do not always have the resources to provide them to every child. Canva, a free and accessible design platform for educators and adminstrators, offers an innovative solution to this challenge. Educators and support staff can use Canva to create personalized visual supports, communication boards, and choice cards tailored to each learner’s needs. This session will demonstrate how Canva can serve as a practical and cost-effective tool to bridge communication gaps for students with fine motor challenges and limited language, empowering them with greater independence and giving educators and administrators an easy-to-implement resource.