When needed images cannot be found for creating various visual strategies, it often becomes necessary for me to create my own. I am often left to take photographs of things Ashley needs, or wants to talk about. I incorporate these images into her high tech communication device (a Mini-Merc by ATI), into low tech communication strategies, or into other educational materials. Consequently, it has been necessary for me to take photographs of a lot of things! Rather than having these images languish on my hard drive, I thought, "Why not allow others to use them?" I want you to be creating visual strategies for your child or student, too, and having access to motivating real word images (including food!) can be just the ticket to inspire your child or student to communicate and learn.

I have taken the time to mask these images, that is, I have removed the background. Why bother? Masked images allow you to combine and layer various images to create new ones. Additionally, images can potentially be grouped in similar categories, or related, by placing them on the same background color.

I have also saved the images at 72 dpi to reduce the file size. If the images are incorporated into something seen on a computer monitor then 72 dpi is all the resolution you'll need. If you are printing them for personal use, the lower resolution will save hard drive space, reduce the amount of ink to print them, and speed up your printing time.

Feel free to use these images for your personal use but, since these images are copyright protected (because they are my photographs!), do not upload them, electronically send them to others, or publish them individually or in a product.

For a discussion on images and on copyright, and for ideas on creating a variety of materials, check out my book Teaching by Design: Using Your Computer to Create Materials for Students with Learning Differences (Woodbine House, 2005).

And check back as I continue to upload additional images and share ideas of ways to use them.