What Is Easy Read and What Is Not Easy Read?

 

What Is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a way of communicating information so that it is easier to understand.

Easy Read is:

• A form of communication

• Written in plain English

• Made up of short, clear sentences

• Supported by pictures or symbols

• Written in large, clear print

• Well spaced with simple layout

• Focused on one idea at a time

Easy Read helps people understand information more easily and make their own decisions.

---

What Is NOT Easy Read?

Easy Read is not:

• Long, complicated sentences

• Small or crowded text

• Lots of information all at once

• Words that are difficult to understand

• Text with no pictures or support

• Messy or confusing layouts

• Words “jumping all over the page”

Easy Read should feel calm, clear, and easy to follow.

---

What Is Plain English?

Plain English means using simple, everyday words that most people understand.

For example:

• Use “help” instead of “assistance”

• Use “doctor” instead of “medical practitioner”

• Use “start” instead of “commence”

Plain English makes information quicker and easier to read.

---

What Is Jargon?

Jargon is language that is used by professionals or specific groups, but may be confusing to others.

Jargon is:

• Technical or specialist language

• Words that are not used in everyday conversation

• Often difficult to understand without explanation

For example:

• “Cognitive impairment” instead of “difficulty thinking”

• “Reasonable adjustments” instead of “changes to help you”

• “Service user” instead of “person”

---

What Is NOT Jargon?

Not all longer words are jargon.

A word is not jargon if:

• It is commonly used in everyday life

• Most people understand it

• It does not need explaining

For example:

• “Hospital”

• “Teacher”

• “Family”

---

Why This Matters

When we avoid jargon and use Easy Read:

• More people can understand information

• People feel more confident

• People can make their own choices

• Information becomes more inclusive

Easy Read is about respect, inclusion, and understanding.

What Is Easy Read?

 

Easy Read is a way of presenting information so that it is easier to understand. It is designed mainly for people with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, brain injuries, dementia, communication difficulties, or anyone who finds standard written information difficult to read.

Easy Read uses:

• Simple everyday words
• Short sentences
• Large clear text
• Pictures or symbols to support meaning
• Plenty of space on the page
• Clear headings and sections

The aim of Easy Read is to help people understand information independently and make informed choices about their lives.

Easy Read can help people:

• Understand their rights
• Make decisions about healthcare
• Access education and employment
• Take part in their communities
• Understand forms, letters, and reports
• Feel more included in society

When information is accessible, people are better able to take control of their own lives and participate in decisions that affect them.

Key Features of Easy Read

Simple Language

Easy Read avoids jargon, technical language, and complicated words whenever possible.

If a difficult word must be used, it should be explained clearly.

Short Sentences

Each sentence should usually contain only one main idea.

Many Easy Read guidelines recommend keeping sentences to around 10–15 words where possible.

Clear Layout

Easy Read documents should:

• Use large fonts
• Have good colour contrast
• Include plenty of white space
• Use clear headings and subheadings
• Avoid cluttered pages

A clean layout makes information easier to follow.

Pictures and Symbols

Pictures help explain the meaning of the text.

These may include:

• Photographs
• Drawings
• Symbols
• Illustrations

Pictures should support the words rather than replace them.

Why Is Easy Read Important?

Many people struggle to understand complex written information.

Without accessible information, people may:

• Miss important appointments
• Not understand their healthcare
• Be unaware of their rights
• Find forms difficult to complete
• Feel excluded from decisions

Easy Read helps reduce these barriers and promotes equality, independence, and inclusion.

Easy Read and the Law

In the United Kingdom, accessible information is supported by laws and guidance including:

• The Equality Act 2010
• The Accessible Information Standard
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

These frameworks encourage organizations to provide information in formats that disabled people can understand.

Is There an American Version of Easy Read?

Yes, although the name "Easy Read" is used less often in the United States.

American organizations are more likely to use terms such as:

• Plain Language
• Plain English
• Accessible Information
• Easy-to-Understand Materials
• Health Literacy Materials
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Many U.S. government agencies follow the principles of the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies to communicate clearly with the public.

In practice, many American accessible documents use the same principles as Easy Read:

• Simple language
• Short sentences
• Clear design
• Pictures and symbols when appropriate

The main difference is often the terminology rather than the approach itself.

Easy Read Is for Everyone

Although Easy Read was developed to support people with learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities, it can also benefit:

• Autistic people
• People with ADHD
• People with dyslexia
• People with brain injuries
• Older adults
• People learning English
• People experiencing stress, anxiety, or mental health difficulties

Clear information helps everyone understand important messages more easily.

Hospital Communication Books and AAC in Healthcare

 

What is a Hospital Communication Book?

A Hospital Communication Book is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) resource used to help people communicate with healthcare professionals when speech is difficult or impossible.

These books contain pictures, symbols, words, letters, numbers, and simple phrases that allow patients to point to information and express their needs.

Hospital Communication Books are commonly used in:

• Hospitals
• Emergency departments
• Care homes
• Rehabilitation units
• Clinics
• Community healthcare services

The aim is to ensure that every person can participate in decisions about their healthcare, regardless of their communication ability.

---

Who Can Benefit?

Hospital Communication Books may help:

People with Learning Disabilities

Some individuals may find spoken language difficult to understand or may struggle to explain symptoms.

Autistic People

Visual supports can reduce anxiety and improve understanding during medical appointments.

People with Speech Difficulties

This includes individuals with:

• Cerebral palsy
• Motor neurone disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke
• Brain injury

Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing People

Pictures and written communication can support understanding.

People with Dementia

Visual cues may help people express needs and concerns.

People Who Do Not Speak English as Their First Language

Pictures can help bridge language barriers.

Patients Recovering from Surgery

People who temporarily cannot speak because of ventilation, tracheostomy, or surgery can use communication books to express their needs.

---

What Information Is Included?

Most Hospital Communication Books contain pages covering:

Basic Needs

• Food
• Drink
• Toilet
• Washing
• Sleep
• Clothing

Pain and Symptoms

• Pain scales
• Body charts
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Breathing difficulties

Feelings and Emotions

• Happy
• Sad
• Worried
• Angry
• Scared
• Confused

People

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Family members
• Friend
• Advocate

Medical Care

• Medication
• Blood tests
• X-rays
• Operations
• Therapy appointments

Communication Supports

• Alphabet pages
• Numbers
• Yes / No responses
• Common questions

---

Why Are Communication Books Important?

Good communication improves healthcare.

Without effective communication, a patient may struggle to:

• Explain pain
• Describe symptoms
• Understand treatment
• Give informed consent
• Ask questions
• Report concerns

Communication books help reduce misunderstandings and support safer healthcare.

They also promote dignity, independence, and patient choice.

---

Communication as a Human Right

Access to communication is not a luxury.

Every person has the right to:

• Be listened to
• Express their wishes
• Understand information
• Participate in decisions about their life and healthcare

Hospital Communication Books help make these rights a reality.

---

Tips for Healthcare Professionals

When using a Hospital Communication Book:

✓ Give the person extra time to respond.

✓ Speak clearly and use simple language.

✓ Ask one question at a time.

✓ Point to pictures while talking.

✓ Check understanding regularly.

✓ Involve family members and advocates when appropriate.

✓ Remember that behaviour is often a form of communication.

---

Easy Read Summary

A Hospital Communication Book helps people communicate in hospitals.

It uses:

• Pictures
• Symbols
• Words
• Letters
• Numbers

People can point to what they need.

Communication books can help people:

• Explain pain
• Ask for help
• Understand treatment
• Make choices

Everyone deserves to have a voice in their healthcare.

Useful Resources

The PDF you linked is available through the Assistive Technology Internet Modules project and contains a complete hospital communication book with picture-based pages covering people, symptoms, emotions, medical procedures, pain scales, and communication supports.

You can access it here:

The Hospital Communication Book (PDF)

Other healthcare organizations, including St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, have also produced hospital communication handbooks based on similar principles of accessible healthcare communication.

I can also create:

• An Easy Read version with symbol placeholders
• A US hospital communication book adaptation
• A chapter on AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• A PowerPoint training package for nurses and healthcare staff
• A communication passport section to go alongside this chapter.

---

📘 Main Book Section (Professional + Accessible)

Disability Communication and Easy Read

What is Disability Communication?

Disability communication is the practice of sharing information in ways that include people with disabilities.

It means making sure information is:

• Clear
• Accessible
• Easy to understand
• Available in different formats

Disability communication supports people with:

• Learning disabilities
• Autism
• Sensory impairments (hearing or vision)
• Cognitive or neurological conditions
• Mental health conditions

The goal is to remove communication barriers so that everyone can understand information and express themselves.

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a specific type of accessible communication.

It is designed to make information simple and easier to understand.

Easy Read uses:

• Short sentences
• Everyday words
• Pictures or symbols
• Clear layout

It is especially helpful for people with learning disabilities, but it can support many others.

---

Who is Easy Read for?

Easy Read can help:

• People with learning disabilities
• Autistic people
• People with dyslexia
• People with brain injuries
• People with dementia
• People who speak English as a second language
• Anyone who finds long or complex text difficult

---

Key Rules of Easy Read

1. Short Sentences

Each sentence should contain one idea only.

2. Simple Words

Use common, everyday language.

If a difficult word is needed:

• Explain it clearly
• Give an example if possible

3. Pictures and Symbols

Images should support the meaning of the text.

These may include:

• Photos
• Drawings
• Symbol systems (such as Widgit or PCS)

4. Clear Layout

• Large text (usually size 14 or bigger)
• Simple fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri)
• Plenty of space between lines
• Bullet points instead of long paragraphs

---

Why is Easy Read Important?

Many standard documents are too complex.

This can stop people from:

• Understanding important information
• Knowing their rights
• Making informed choices
• Accessing services

Easy Read helps to:

• Improve understanding
• Increase independence
• Support decision-making
• Promote inclusion

---

Communication is a Right

Everyone has the right to understand information and be understood.

Accessible communication is essential in:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Employment
• Legal systems

Easy Read is one way to make sure no one is excluded.

---

Examples of Easy Read Use

Easy Read can be used in:

• Hospital information
• Mental health support
• Government services
• Education materials
• Legal rights documents
• Workplace policies

---

Key Message

Accessible communication is not optional.

It is a necessary part of equality, dignity, and inclusion.

---

🧩 Easy Read Version (for your symbol-based pages)

Easy Read: Communication and Understanding

What is communication?

Communication means sharing information.

We all need to understand information.

---

What is disability communication?

Disability communication helps everyone understand.

It uses:

• Simple words
• Clear sentences
• Pictures

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a way of writing that is easy to understand.

It uses:

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

---

Who does Easy Read help?

Easy Read helps:

• People with learning disabilities
• People with autism
• People with dyslexia
• People who find reading hard

---

Easy Read rules

✔ Use short sentences

✔ Use simple words

✔ Use pictures

✔ Use large text

---

Why is Easy Read important?

Easy Read helps people:

• Understand information
• Make choices
• Know their rights
• Be more independent

---

Important message

Everyone has the right to understand.

Everyone has the right to be heard.

---

🧑‍⚕️ Training Version (for staff / professionals)

Easy Read and Disability Communication: Staff Guide

What Staff Need to Know

Accessible communication is essential for safe and effective care.

Not all patients can understand standard written or spoken information.

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a structured format that improves understanding by using:

• Simplified language
• Visual supports
• Clear formatting

---

When to Use Easy Read

Use Easy Read when supporting:

• Patients with learning disabilities
• Patients with cognitive impairments
• Individuals with low literacy
• People experiencing distress or confusion

---

Good Practice

✔ Use plain English

✔ Speak slowly and clearly

✔ Use visual supports where possible

✔ Check understanding (do not assume)

✔ Allow extra time for responses

✔ Use one question at a time

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✘ Using long sentences

✘ Using jargon or medical terms without explanation

✘ Giving too much information at once

✘ Not checking understanding

---

Why It Matters

Poor communication can lead to:

• Misunderstood symptoms
• Incorrect treatment
• Increased anxiety
• Loss of patient dignity

Good communication improves:

• Safety
• Trust
• Outcomes
• Patient experience

---

Key Message

Accessible communication is part of professional responsibility.

It is not optional—it is essential.

---

🛠️ Simple Easy Read Template (you can reuse)

You can copy this structure for any topic:

TITLE

• What is it?
• Who is it for?
• What does it do?

RULES (✔ list)

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

WHY IMPORTANT

• Helps understanding
• Helps choices
• Helps independence

KEY MESSAGE

• One short, powerful sentence

---

If you want next (highly recommended for your book build):

I can now:

• Add Widgit-style symbol suggestions next to each line
• Turn this into a printable PDF workbook
• Create a PowerPoint training pack
• Build a full Easy Read chapter set across your whole book
• Adapt this into US + UK legal frameworks (ADA / Equality Act)

Just tell me 👍

all of these in written order please in our own word? is there an American version of this?

Yes—there isn’t one single official “American version” of Easy Read like there is with some UK organisations (e.g. Mencap), but the same approach absolutely exists in the U.S. under different names and systems.

In the U.S., you’ll see it called:

• Plain Language
• Accessible Communication
• Easy-to-Read materials
• AAC-supported communication

It is also supported by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which require information to be accessible.

---

Now here is your full rewritten content in your own words, in order, ready for your book 👇

---

📘 Main Version (Rewritten – Book Style)

Disability Communication and Easy Read

What is Disability Communication?

Disability communication means sharing information in ways that everyone can understand, including people with disabilities.

It is about removing barriers so that people are not excluded from important information.

This includes making sure information is:

• Clear
• Easy to follow
• Available in different formats

Disability communication supports people with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, sensory differences, and mental health conditions.

The aim is to make communication fair and accessible for all.

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a type of accessible communication that makes information simpler.

It is designed so that people can understand information more easily, especially if they find reading difficult.

Easy Read uses:

• Short, clear sentences
• Simple, everyday words
• Pictures or symbols to support meaning
• A clear and uncluttered layout

It breaks down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable parts.

---

Who is Easy Read for?

Easy Read is mainly designed for people with learning or thinking disabilities.

However, it can also help:

• Autistic people
• People with dyslexia
• People with brain injuries
• People with dementia
• People who do not speak English as their first language
• Anyone who finds long or complicated text difficult

---

Key Rules of Easy Read

Easy Read follows a few important rules:

Short Sentences

Each sentence should focus on one idea only.

Simple Words

Use everyday language that is easy to understand.

If a difficult word must be used, explain it clearly.

Pictures and Symbols

Images are used to help explain the meaning of the words.

These can include photos, drawings, or symbol systems.

Clear Layout

The page should be easy to read.

This includes:

• Large text (usually size 14 or bigger)
• Simple fonts
• Plenty of space
• Bullet points instead of long paragraphs

---

Why is Easy Read Important?

Many people find standard documents too difficult to read.

This can stop them from:

• Understanding important information
• Knowing their rights
• Making decisions
• Accessing support

Easy Read helps remove these barriers.

It allows people to:

• Understand information
• Make choices about their lives
• Feel more independent
• Be included in society

---

Communication is a Right

Being able to understand and share information is a basic human right.

Everyone should be able to:

• Understand what is happening to them
• Ask questions
• Make decisions

Accessible communication helps make this possible.

---

Key Message

Information should be accessible to everyone.

Easy Read is one way to make sure no one is left out.

---

🧩 Easy Read Version (Rewritten)

Easy Read: Understanding Communication

What is communication?

Communication means sharing information.

We all need to understand information.

---

What is disability communication?

Disability communication helps everyone understand.

It makes information:

• Clear
• Simple
• Easy to follow

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a way of writing that is easy to understand.

It uses:

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

---

Who is it for?

Easy Read helps:

• People with learning disabilities
• People with autism
• People with dyslexia
• People who find reading hard

---

Easy Read rules

✔ Use short sentences

✔ Use simple words

✔ Use pictures

✔ Use large writing

---

Why is this important?

Easy Read helps people:

• Understand information
• Make choices
• Know their rights
• Be more independent

---

Important message

Everyone has the right to understand.

Everyone has the right to be heard.

---

🧑‍⚕️ U.S.-Adapted Training Version (Rewritten)

Accessible Communication and Easy Read: U.S. Staff Guide

What Staff Need to Know

Accessible communication is essential in healthcare, education, and public services.

Not all individuals can understand standard written or spoken information.

Staff must adapt communication to meet different needs.

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a communication method that simplifies information using:

• Plain language
• Visual supports
• Clear formatting

In the United States, this approach is often referred to as "plain language" or "accessible materials."

---

Legal Context (United States)

Accessible communication is supported by laws such as:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

These laws require reasonable accommodations, including accessible information.

---

When to Use Easy Read

Use Easy Read when supporting:

• Individuals with learning disabilities
• People with cognitive impairments
• Individuals with low literacy
• Patients who are anxious, overwhelmed, or confused

---

Good Practice

✔ Use plain, everyday language

✔ Speak clearly and at a steady pace

✔ Use visual supports when possible

✔ Check understanding regularly

✔ Give extra time for responses

✔ Ask one question at a time

---

What to Avoid

✘ Long or complex sentences

✘ Medical or technical jargon without explanation

✘ Giving too much information at once

✘ Assuming understanding

---

Why It Matters

Poor communication can lead to:

• Misunderstood symptoms
• Incorrect decisions
• Increased

Hospital Communication Books and AAC in Healthcare

 

Easy Read and Disability Communication: Staff Guide

What Staff Need to Know

Accessible communication is essential for safe and effective care.

Not all patients can understand standard written or spoken information.

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a structured format that improves understanding by using:

• Simplified language

• Visual supports

• Clear formatting

---

When to Use Easy Read

Use Easy Read when supporting:

• Patients with learning disabilities

• Patients with cognitive impairments

• Individuals with low literacy

• People experiencing distress or confusion

---

Good Practice

✔ Use plain English

✔ Speak slowly and clearly

✔ Use visual supports where possible

✔ Check understanding (do not assume)

✔ Allow extra time for responses

✔ Use one question at a time

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✘ Using long sentences

✘ Using jargon or medical terms without explanation

✘ Giving too much information at once

✘ Not checking understanding

---

Why It Matters

Poor communication can lead to:

• Misunderstood symptoms

• Incorrect treatment

• Increased anxiety

• Loss of patient dignity

Good communication improves:

• Safety

• Trust

• Outcomes

• Patient experience

---

Key Message

Accessible communication is part of professional responsibility.

It is not optional—it is essential.

🛠️ Simple Easy Read Template (you can reuse)

You can copy this structure for any topic:

TITLE

• What is it?
• Who is it for?
• What does it do?

RULES (✔ list)

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

WHY IMPORTANT

• Helps understanding
• Helps choices
• Helps independence

KEY MESSAGE

• One short, powerful sentence 

Additional Section: Understanding Easy Read

 

Easy Read (Simple Version)

Easy Read makes information easy to understand.

It helps people with:

• Learning disabilities
• Mental health needs

---

Why Easy Read is Important

Easy Read helps people:

• Understand information
• Make choices
• feel more confident

---

Easy Read Uses

• Simple words
• Short sentences
• Pictures
• Clear layout

---

Mental Health

Some people may feel:

• Tired
• Overwhelmed
• Confused

Easy Read helps by making information:

• Calm
• Clear
• Easier to follow

---

Easy Read Helps With

• Care plans
• Medicine information
• Appointments
• Support services

---

The Law

The law says information must be accessible.

This helps people:

• Understand their rights
• Get the support they need

---

Key Message

👉 Easy Read helps people understand
👉 Easy Read supports independence
👉 Everyone has the right to clear information

Easy Read is an accessible communication format designed to make complex information easy to understand.

It is especially important for individuals with:

• Learning disabilities

• Mental health challenges

Easy Read supports people to:

• Live more independently

• Understand their legal rights

• Make informed decisions about healthcare and daily life

---

Core Principles of Easy Read

Easy Read helps bridge the gap between complex information and a person’s understanding.

It does this using clear design and language rules.

---

Simple Language

• Use everyday words

• Avoid professional jargon

• Explain any difficult words clearly

---

Short Sentences

• Keep sentences brief

• Focus on one idea at a time

• Break information into small sections

---

Visual Aids

• Use pictures or symbols

• Match each image to the text

• Support understanding visually

---

Clean Formatting

• Use large font (minimum 14pt)

• Keep text left aligned

• Place images next to the text

• Keep layout simple and clear

---

Importance for Mental Health

People with mental health conditions may experience:

• Cognitive fatigue

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Difficulty processing information

Easy Read helps by:

• Reducing confusion

• Using calm and clear language

• Making information easier to manage

---

Easy Read Supports Understanding Of:

• Care plans

• Medication instructions

• Legal rights

• Support services

• Therapy and appointments

---

Resources and Implementation

Creating Easy Read materials often works best when done with the people who will use them.

This is called co-production.

Several organisations provide guidance and training.

---

AbilityNet

Provides guidance on:

• Easy Read

• Digital accessibility

• Supporting people with different needs

---

Center on Disability

Provides:

• Training courses

• Plain language guidance

• Accessible communication strategies

---

Legal Context

Accessible communication is not just good practice.

It is often required by law.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Organisations must provide:

• Accessible information

• Communication support

• “Auxiliary aids and services”

This ensures people with disabilities can:

• Understand information

• Access services

• Be treated fairly

---

Key Message

Easy Read is essential for inclusion.

👉 Clear information supports understanding
👉 Accessible formats reduce anxiety
👉 Everyone has the right to understand information

Hospital Communication Books and AAC in Healthcare

What is a Hospital Communication Book?

A Hospital Communication Book is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) resource used to help people communicate with healthcare professionals when speech is difficult or impossible.

These books contain pictures, symbols, words, letters, numbers, and simple phrases that allow patients to point to information and express their needs.

Hospital Communication Books are commonly used in:

• Hospitals
• Emergency departments
• Care homes
• Rehabilitation units
• Clinics
• Community healthcare services

The aim is to ensure that every person can participate in decisions about their healthcare, regardless of their communication ability.

---

Who Can Benefit?

Hospital Communication Books may help:

People with Learning Disabilities

Some individuals may find spoken language difficult to understand or may struggle to explain symptoms.

Autistic People

Visual supports can reduce anxiety and improve understanding during medical appointments.

People with Speech Difficulties

This includes individuals with:

• Cerebral palsy
• Motor neurone disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke
• Brain injury

Deaf or Hard of Hearing People

Pictures and written communication can support understanding.

People with Dementia

Visual cues may help people express needs and concerns.

People Who Do Not Speak English as Their First Language

Pictures can help bridge language barriers.

Patients Recovering from Surgery

People who temporarily cannot speak because of ventilation, tracheostomy, or surgery can use communication books to express their needs.

---

What Information Is Included?

Most Hospital Communication Books contain pages covering:

Basic Needs

• Food
• Drink
• Toilet
• Washing
• Sleep
• Clothing

Pain and Symptoms

• Pain scales
• Body charts
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Breathing difficulties

Feelings and Emotions

• Happy
• Sad
• Worried
• Angry
• Scared
• Confused

People

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Family members
• Friend
• Advocate

Medical Care

• Medication
• Blood tests
• X-rays
• Operations
• Therapy appointments

Communication Supports

• Alphabet pages
• Numbers
• Yes / No responses
• Common questions

---

Why Are Communication Books Important?

Good communication improves healthcare.

Without effective communication, a patient may struggle to:

• Explain pain
• Describe symptoms
• Understand treatment
• Give informed consent
• Ask questions
• Report concerns

Communication books help reduce misunderstandings and support safer healthcare.

They also promote dignity, independence, and patient choice.

---

Communication as a Human Right

Access to communication is not a luxury.

Every person has the right to:

• Be listened to
• Express their wishes
• Understand information
• Participate in decisions about their life and healthcare

Hospital Communication Books help make these rights a reality.

---

Tips for Healthcare Professionals

When using a Hospital Communication Book:

✓ Give the person extra time to respond.

✓ Speak clearly and use simple language.

✓ Ask one question at a time.

✓ Point to pictures while talking.

✓ Check understanding regularly.

✓ Involve family members and advocates when appropriate.

✓ Remember that behaviour is often a form of communication.

---

Easy Read Summary

A Hospital Communication Book helps people communicate in hospitals.

It uses:

• Pictures
• Symbols
• Words
• Letters
• Numbers

People can point to what they need.

Communication books can help people:

• Explain pain
• Ask for help
• Understand treatment
• Make choices

Everyone deserves to have a voice in their healthcare.

🏥 What is a Hospital Communication Book?

A Hospital Communication Book is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool.

It helps people who may have difficulty speaking or understanding to communicate their needs during medical care.

👥 Who is it for?

It can support:

• Non-verbal patients
• Deaf or hard of hearing individuals
• People with learning disabilities
• People with cognitive impairments (e.g. dementia, brain injury)
• Patients experiencing distress, pain, or temporary communication difficulties

---

💬 What does it help with?

A Hospital Communication Book allows patients to express:

• Pain (where it hurts and how much)
• Symptoms (e.g. nausea, dizziness)
• Basic needs (toilet, food, water, rest)
• Emotions (scared, anxious, confused)
• Questions about care

---

🖼️ How does it work?

These books use:

• Real-life photos
• Symbols (similar to Widgit or Picture Communication Symbols)
• Simple words and phrases

Patients can:

• Point to pictures
• Use gestures
• Indicate “yes” or “no”
• Show what they need without speaking

➡️ This helps reduce frustration and improves understanding between patients and healthcare staff.

---

📚 Types of Hospital Communication Books

1. 🖨️ Downloadable PDFs

Free resources you can print:

• The Hospital Communication Book
• St George’s NHS Hospital Communication Handbook

✔ Good for:

• Immediate use
• Customising pages
• Training and education

---

2. 📕 Pre-Printed / Purchasable Books

Examples include:

• Scope Australia Emergency Healthcare Communication Book
• Spiral-bound communication aids (e.g. Etsy suppliers)

✔ Benefits:

• Durable and wipe-clean
• Designed for repeated hospital use
• Professionally structured

---

3. 🏥 Hospital-Provided Resources

Many hospitals already have communication tools available.

👉 If you are in a hospital:

• Ask a nurse
• Ask a speech and language therapist
• Ask a patient advocate

These books are often kept on wards for patient use.

---

⭐ Why are they important?

Hospital Communication Books:

• Improve patient safety
• Reduce misunderstandings
• Support dignity and independence
• Help patients express pain and consent
• Promote accessible healthcare

---

🧠 Key Message (for your book)

Communication is a basic human right.
Hospital Communication Books help ensure that every patient—regardless of ability—has a voice in their care.