Visual Support: Voice Scale

-- by Sarah, Gaby's mom

One of Gaby's biggest behavioral issues was her crazy loud voice. We used the "Incredible 5 Point scale" by Kari Dunn Buron to create a visual support to help her maintain the appropriate voice volume for different settings. This is really just a color coded list, from 5 down to 1, that describes different voice levels. Gaby had a large one on the wall that included the description of each voice level

• 5 - emergency, shouting
• 4 - recess/outdoor voice, loud
• 3 - classroom voice
• 2 - whisper voice
• 1 - no talking at all

We also had small strips with just the color coded numbers that we could display discreetly on her desk. This was useful to help redirect Gaby's behavior (pointing to the appropriate voice level as she got too loud) during class. We also used it to help her learn to identify her own voice level. I honestly don't think she realizes how loud her voice is and this gave us a concrete visual aid to help her understand how loud she seems to other people.

This is a really popular support - most of the special ed teachers in our district tape a small version onto the backs of their IDs so it's always available. It can be used to address lots of other issues, as well.