Remnant Books

A remnant book . . . is used to help initiate conversation topics about recent past events. It is a collection of scraps gathered from the person's recent past, that represents their participation in, or experience of, a recent activity. The items are taken directly from the activity and may include wrappers, receipts and ticket stubs, small objects such as sand, napkins, hair clippings, etc. These items are placed in a book which is located and/or mounted so as to be physically accessible to the person. Remnants or scraps are easier than photos or line drawing to understand and are quick to come by too!

Each page should have a written message that explains the meaning of the remnant for those communication partners who can read. Some partners may require line drawing symbols and these should also be included on the page. Include the day, time and any other relevant information in the message. Example: a feather is accompanied by a short note that reads "I went to Fort Whyte Centre with my cousins on Sunday"; or a cash register receipt and a label from a box of Popsicles is accompanied by a note that says "Joan and I went shopping after supper last night and I bought Popsicles".

To make a remnant book first consider what it should look like. Place the remnant book directly on the person's lap tray, hang it from their wheelchair so they might point to it with their eyes, or have then try carrying it. If the user has hand function, the remnant book should have pages that can be turned by the user and page "fluffers" should be used when necessary. Independent use of the remnant book defines the physical size, format, and mounting. Many different book formats are used. Three-ringed binders with adhesive photo pages, photo pocket pages or page protectors are frequently used. Medium sized Ziploc® bags can be used as pages too, by punching holes along the side, creating sealable pockets. Smaller photo albums that have three by five inch pockets are also popular, however they usually require tape to seal in loose items such as grass clippings, birthday candles, craft supplies, etc.

(Source: Elizabeth B. Walker, Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre, 350 Rumsey Road, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8)