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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 ZiplocŪ 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)
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