TACPAC
TACPAC is an activity resource for helping people with sensory or neurological impairment, developmental delay, profound and multiple learning difficulties, tactile defensiveness, and limited or pre-verbal communication. It provides a structured, emotionally safe framework for the 'receiving partner' to make contact with their own bodies, their environment and other people, and develop a relationship with these. The 'giving partner' ensures that each tactile experience is well organised and sensitively offered, and adjusted to suit the receiving partner's responses.
TACPAC begins with the simple sense of touch with a familiar everyday object, such as a kitchen sponge, a wooden spatula, or some furry fabric. The experience is then enhanced through the principle of 'sensory alignment'. It is accompanied by a piece of music specifically to match the texture, character, and even the emotional quality of the touch experience. The receiving partner hears what they see and what they feel on their skin: sensory alignment - and sensory reinforcement for seeing, hearing and touching. Through linking what becomes familiar music with objects, actions and people in a pattern of different activities, the partners communicate with each other.
TACPAC develops fundamental communication and attention skills, laying the foundation for students being able to receive and respond to stories, rhymes and poems. It also lays the groundwork for early speaking and listening, encouraging the expression of personal preferences.
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