Communication

Aids to support communication needs

There is a range of aids which can support your child’s communication needs, whether caused by a sensory impairment, a physical disability or global developmental delay.

Communication aids can be “low tech” such as pictures or symbols or “high tech” such as eye gaze controlled computer programs.

This website can help:

Communication Matters aims to increase understanding, awareness and knowledge of the needs of people with complex communication needs.

This video offers a helpful insight into why good communication is important for people with additional needs.

Communication Passports

Many children and young people are unable to communicate their needs and it can be very time consuming for parents/carers to constantly repeat the same information to activity providers. This is where a communication passport can be very helpful.

A passport aims to present each individual in a positive way rather than as a set of difficulties, it allows space for the child/young person to express their own likes or dislikes and views; it also should reflect their character and sense of humour; it will describe the most effective communication method and how others should communicate with them; finally it should be easy to read, informative and fun.

There are some communication passport templates that you can use and you can find our more information, including how to create a passport on the Communications Passport website.

See the video below for more information about communication passports.