📘 National Learning Disability Organisations

 

1. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
The LDA is one of the main U.S. organisations for people with learning disabilities, families, and educators. It provides support, practical solutions, information, and advocacy for people affected by learning disabilities of all ages.

2. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
NCLD is a major U.S. not‑for‑profit focused on policy, advocacy, research, and resources to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities. It supports education rights, systems change, and widespread awareness campaigns.

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🧠 Broader Disability Support & Advocacy

3. The Arc of the United States
A large U.S. organisation advocating for the rights and full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide training, policy advocacy, education, and community supports.

4. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
AAIDD promotes policies, research, and effective practices to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including communication access and inclusion.

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🧩 Other Useful Organisations

• YAI: Seeing Beyond Disability – Offers supports for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the U.S. (especially in New York area).

• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) – Major U.S. network providing services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) – Advocates broadly for disability rights across the United States.

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📍 How They Compare to Mencap

While none are exactly the same as Mencap (which is UK‑based and focuses on intellectual disability support), these U.S. organisations share similar goals:

✔ Provide information and practical support
✔ Advocate for rights and inclusion
✔ Offer resources for families, professionals, and individuals
✔ Support access to education, healthcare, and services

Easy Read PowerPoint: Communicating with People with Learning Disability

 

Slide 1 – Title Slide

Title: Communicating with People with a Learning Disability
Subtitle: Easy Read Guide for Staff and Carers
Visuals: People talking, smiley face icons

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Slide 2 – What is Communication?

Communication = giving or getting information

Everyone communicates differently
Visuals: Talking people, pen and paper, laptop

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Slide 3 – Ways to Communicate

Talking 🗣️

Listening 👂

Drawing ✏️

Signing 🤟

Body language 🙂
Visuals: Icons representing each method

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Slide 4 – Body Language

Body language = using your body to communicate

Examples: smile, nod, crossed arms, eye contact

Helps people understand you
Visuals: Person nodding, smiling, arms crossed

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Slide 5 – Communicating with People with a Learning Disability

Use different ways to communicate

Go at the right speed

Use easy words

Check understanding

Ask what works best
Visuals: Two people talking, speech bubbles, thumbs up

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Slide 6 – One-to-One Communication

Quiet space

Fewer distractions

One-to-one conversation helps reduce anxiety
Visuals: Person talking to another person in a quiet room

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Slide 7 – Written Communication

Big text

Bullet points

Pictures

Do not write too much
Visuals: Pen and paper, large font examples

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Slide 8 – Telephone Communication

Speak slowly

Speak clearly

Use simple words

Check understanding
Visuals: Person on the phone, speech bubbles

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Slide 9 – Communication Tools

Signing Systems: Signalong, Makaton

Sign Language: British Sign Language (BSL)

Symbol Tools: Talking Mats, Widgit
Visuals: Logos of Signalong, Makaton, Talking Mats, Widgit

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Slide 10 – Why Communication Support Matters

Helps people feel safe and respected

Supports understanding of care

Allows choices

Reduces anxiety
Visuals: Smiling patient and staff, checkmarks

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Slide 11 – Knowledge Check (Quiz)

Level 1:

What is communication?

Name two ways people communicate.

What is body language?

Why should we speak slowly?

What is one communication tool?

Level 2:

Why is one-to-one communication helpful?

How can you check understanding?

Name two signing systems.

What is Talking Mats used for?

Why is Easy Read important?
Visuals: Question marks, icons of people thinking

 

Easy Read Hospital Communication Handbook Communication Support in Healthcare

 

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What Is the Hospital Communication Handbook?

An Easy Read handbook to help:

• Doctors 🧑‍⚕️

• Nurses 👩‍⚕️

• Healthcare staff

…talk and communicate with patients more clearly.

It supports understanding, safety, and dignity in hospital settings.

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Who Is It For?

The handbook is designed for people with:

• Learning disabilities 🧠

• Hearing problems 👂

• Autism ♾️

• Communication difficulties 🗣️

• People who do not speak English as a first language 🌍

It helps make healthcare more accessible.

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Key Feature — Visual Tools 🖼️

The handbook uses:

• Clear pictures

• Visual symbols

• Easy Read layouts

Images come from an Easy Pics image bank.

Benefits:

• No need to learn special symbols

• Easy to recognise

• Supports understanding

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Sections in the Handbook

The handbook is divided into clear sections.

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Basic Needs

Includes information about:

• Allergies

• Health conditions

• Medication

• Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers)

Helps staff understand care needs quickly.

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Food & Drink 🍽️

Covers:

• Diet needs

• Food preferences

• Allergies

• Help with eating or drinking

Supports nutrition and safety.

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Feelings & Symptoms

Includes tools such as:

• Pain scales

• Body charts

• Symptom visuals

• Maternity information 🤰

Helps patients explain how they feel.

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Tests & Treatments

Explains hospital procedures like:

• X-rays

• Blood tests

• Scans

• Medical treatments

Reduces fear and anxiety.

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Communication Tools 🏥

Supports everyday hospital communication, including:

• Days of the week

• Dates

• Times

• Sign language alphabet

• Discharge planning

Helps patients understand hospital routines.

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Extra Resources Included

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“This Is Me – My Care Passport” 🧳

A personal profile about the patient.

It tells staff about:

• Likes and dislikes

• Communication needs

• Sensory needs

• Health conditions

This supports person-centred care.

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Easy Read Factsheets 📘

Used to prepare patients for:

• Hospital visits

• Treatments

• Operations

• Going home

Reduces anxiety through preparation.

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Easy Read Appointment Letters ✉️

Letters include:

• Pictures

• Dates

• Times

• Locations

Helps patients understand appointments.

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U.S. Alternative Communication Tools 🌎

Hospitals may also use:

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Hospital Symbol Boards 🏥

Help patients with:

• Speech difficulties

• Cognitive difficulties

• Communication barriers

Patients can point to symbols.

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Patient Provider Communication Network

Provides:

• Free hospital communication boards

• Printable tools

• Bedside support charts

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Widgit Health Resources

Examples include:

• Medical Encounter Boards 👨‍⚕️

• Bedside Message Boards 🛏️

• Hospital Procedure Packs 🧩

Supports multilingual communication.

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NIH Clear & Simple Guides

Provide guidance on:

• Making health information Easy Read

• Using plain language

• Accessible medical communication

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Why Is Easy Read Important in Hospitals?

Easy Read communication:

• Helps patients feel safe ✅

• Reduces fear and anxiety

• Improves understanding

• Prevents mistakes

• Supports equal access ⚖️

Accessible communication saves lives.

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Training Quiz Questions

Level 1

1. Who is the handbook for?

2. Name one visual tool used.

3. What does the pain scale show?

4. What is a Care Passport?

5. Why is Easy Read important?

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Level 2

1. Name three groups who may use the handbook.

2. Explain two handbook sections.

3. How do symbol boards help patients?

4. Why are Easy Read letters useful?

5. How does communication affect patient safety?

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How to Help Communication Work Easy Read Training Section

 

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Communication Works Best With the Right Support

Communication is more successful when people have the support they need.

Support may include:

• Extra time

• Quiet spaces

• Easy Read information

• Communication tools

• One-to-one support

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Independence & Choice

People with disabilities have the right to independence.

Even when they need support, they should:

• Make their own choices

• Speak for themselves

• Be involved in decisions

Support should empower, not take over.

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Empower People to Ask for Support

Encourage people to say when they need help.

For example:

• “Can you explain again?”

• “I need more time.”

• “Can you write that down?”

Empowerment builds:

• Confidence

• Independence

• Self-advocacy

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One-to-One Support

Many people prefer one-to-one communication.

This helps reduce:

• Anxiety

• Sensory overload

• Distractions

Quiet, calm environments improve understanding.

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Reduce Distractions

Communication works better when there is:

• Less noise

• Fewer people

• Calm surroundings

• Good lighting

Busy environments may increase stress.

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Speaking Clearly

Whether face-to-face or on the phone:

• Speak clearly

• Not too fast

• Not too quiet

• Not too loud

Check the person can hear and understand you.

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Talking to the Person First

Some people may come with:

• Family

• Carers

• Support workers

Always speak to the person first.

Not the supporter.

This shows:

• Respect

• Dignity

• Inclusion

Supporters can help if needed.

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Anxiety in Groups

Many people feel anxious when surrounded by:

• Large groups

• Strangers

• Busy environments

Support by offering:

• One-to-one time

• Quiet rooms

• Breaks

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Written Communication Support

Always ask the person what works best for them.

Do not assume.

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Easy Read Format Examples

Easy Read may include:

• Large print

• Pictures

• Symbols

• Bullet points

• Short sentences

• Step-by-step lists

• ABC or 123 formats

Example:

1. First

2. Next

3. Finish

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Person-Centred Communication

Person-centred means:

• Adapting to the person

• Respecting preferences

• Asking what works best

• Listening to feedback

There is no “one size fits all.”

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Key Communication Reminders

• Provide the right support

• Promote independence

• Empower self-advocacy

• Use one-to-one where possible

• Reduce distractions

• Speak clearly

• Talk to the person first

• Ask about Easy Read needs

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Why This Is Important

Sometimes people attend appointments with:

• Parents

• Family members

• Carers

• Support workers

For example:

• Doctor visits

• Assessments

• Meetings

• College reviews

Professionals may speak more to the supporter — but this is not always good practice.

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The Golden Rule

Always talk to the person first.

They are the patient, client, or learner.

This shows:

• Respect

• Dignity

• Inclusion

• Independence

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Common Mistake

A common mistake is when professionals speak only to the parent or carer.

Example:

Doctor talks to the parent instead of the person.

This can make the person feel:

• Ignored

• Invisible

• Disempowered

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Balanced Communication Approach

It is important to balance communication.

You should:

1. Speak to the person first

2. Use simple language

3. Give time to respond

Then involve the supporter if needed.

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When to Involve Parents or Carers

It is okay to speak to the supporter when:

• The person asks you to

• The person gives consent

• The person is struggling to communicate

• Clarification is needed

Supporters can help by:

• Explaining needs

• Rephrasing information

• Providing history

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Always Ask Permission

Before speaking to the supporter, ask the person.

Example:

“Is it okay if I ask your mum to help explain?”

This keeps the person in control.

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If the Person Is Struggling

If communication is very difficult:

• Slow down

• Use visuals

• Ask closed questions

• Involve the supporter gently

But still include the person.

Never exclude them.

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Respect & Inclusion

Even if someone needs high support:

• Talk to them

• Make eye contact

• Use their name

• Acknowledge responses

Small actions build dignity.

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Good Practice Example

Good communication looks like:

Doctor:
“Hi Sam, how are you feeling today?”

Then later:
“Is it okay if your dad adds anything?”

This keeps Sam at the centre.

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Key Training Message

• Talk to the person first

• Do not ignore supporters

• Balance both

• Ask consent

• Empower independence

• Provide support when needed

Easy Read Communication Training Learning Disabilities & Mental Health

 

What is Communication?

Communication means how people:

• Talk

• Listen

• Share feelings

• Ask for help

• Make choices

Everyone communicates in different ways, such as:

• One-to-one talking

• Body language

• Gestures

• Signs

• Pictures

• Devices

Communication is more than speech.

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One-to-One Communication

Many people — especially autistic people — prefer one-to-one communication.

This is because of:

• Social anxiety

• Sensory overload

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Difficulty processing groups

Busy environments can be hard, such as:

• Classrooms

• Meetings

• Shops

• Public places

Support strategies:

• Quiet rooms

• Small groups

• Calm spaces

• Familiar staff

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Busy Surroundings & Anxiety

People may struggle when there are:

• Lots of people

• Loud noise

• Bright lights

• Too many conversations

This can cause:

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Shutdown

• Withdrawal

Reducing sensory overload improves communication.

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Closed Questions

Closed questions have fixed answers.

Usually:

• Yes / No

• Or set choices

They are helpful when someone struggles with processing or speech.

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Closed Question Examples

Example 1

What colour is the sun?

A. Yellow
B. Red
C. Blue

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Example 2

Is there butter in the fridge?

Yes / No

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Example 3

Is your name Sara?

Yes / No

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Closed questions help people:

• Feel less pressured

• Process information easier

• Respond faster

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Open Questions

Open questions need longer answers.

They often begin with:

• How

• What

• Why

• When

• Where

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Open Question Examples

• How happy are you with the service?

• What support do you need?

• Why do you feel worried?

• When did this start?

Open questions explore feelings and experiences.

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Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing means:

Repeating back what someone said to check understanding.

Example:

Person: “I feel stressed in groups.”
Supporter: “You feel anxious around lots of people?”

This helps:

• Avoid misunderstanding

• Show listening

• Build trust

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Body Language & Gestures

Communication is not just words.

Watch for:

• Facial expressions

• Eye contact

• Posture

• Hand movements

• Signs of distress

Body language may show:

• Anxiety

• Pain

• Confusion

• Happiness

Always be aware of non-verbal communication.

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Learning From Experts

Experts include:

• People with disabilities

• People with mental health conditions

They are experts by experience.

We should:

• Listen to their voices

• Respect lived experience

• Include them in training

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Working With Parents & Carers

It is okay to ask parents or carers for help.

They may know:

• Communication style

• Triggers

• Calming strategies

• Preferred tools

Always ask the person first if possible.

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Communication & Dyslexia

Most people with dyslexia can read.

They may face difficulties with:

• Spelling

• Punctuation

• Grammar

• Reading speed

• Processing text

Support strategies:

• Easy Read documents

• Larger fonts

• Visual supports

• Extra time

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Strengths in Communication

Even people who cannot read or write have strengths.

Strengths may include:

• Speaking skills

• Creativity

• Visual thinking

• Problem-solving

• Practical skills

Always focus on strengths, not just difficulties.

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Frustration & Expression

Many people feel frustrated when:

• Words make sense in their head

• But do not come out right

This can affect:

• Speaking

• Writing

• Confidence

• Mental health

Support by:

• Being patient

• Giving time

• Using visuals

• Encouraging expression

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Key Communication Reminders

• Use Easy Read language

• Avoid jargon

• Use short sentences

• Ask closed questions when needed

• Use open questions to explore feelings

• Paraphrase understanding

• Watch body language

• Reduce sensory stress

• Respect lived experience

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Training Questions

Level 1

1. What is communication?

2. Why do some people prefer one-to-one communication?

3. Give one example of a closed question.

4. What is paraphrasing?

5. Name one dyslexia difficulty.

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Level 2

1. Explain sensory overload and communication.

2. Compare open and closed questions.

3. Why is body language important?

4. How can carers support communication?

5. Why might someone feel frustrated when speaking or writing?

Communication Research

Body Language, Tone & Words

Research shows that communication is not just about words.

A lot of meaning comes from non-verbal communication.

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The 55 – 38 – 7 Rule

Communication is often broken down into:

• 55% Body language

• 38% Tone of voice

• 7% Words

This means how we say something is often more important than what we say.

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55% — Body Language

Body language includes:

• Facial expressions

• Eye contact

• Posture

• Gestures

• Movement

• Personal space

Example:

Someone says “I’m fine” but:

• Looks down

• Avoids eye contact

• Has tense posture

Their body language may show they are not fine.

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38% — Tone of Voice

Tone means how your voice sounds.

It includes:

• Volume

• Pitch

• Speed

• Emotion

Example:

Saying “Come here” can sound:

• Kind

• Angry

• Urgent

• Calm

The tone changes the meaning.

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7% — Words

Words are still important — but they are only part of communication.

Words tell us:

• Information

• Instructions

• Facts

But without tone and body language, meaning can be lost.

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Why This Matters in Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities may rely more on:

• Visual cues

• Tone

• Facial expressions

Because:

• Words may be hard to process

• Language may be confusing

• Literacy may be limited

So staff must be aware of non-verbal communication.

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Good Practice Tips

Use Positive Body Language

• Smile

• Face the person

• Open posture

• Gentle gestures

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Use Calm Tone

• Speak slowly

• Keep voice relaxed

• Avoid shouting

• Avoid harsh tone

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Match Words & Body Language

Do not say:

“I’m listening” while looking away.

Make sure:

• Words

• Tone

• Body language

…all match.

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Training Reflection

Ask learners:

• How does your body language look when stressed?

• Do you speak too fast?

• Do your tone and words match?

Self-awareness improves communication.