Communication management for big groups of special needs people, how to help students, staff, trainees etc manage big groups.

 

• Anxiety management – people can signal their feelings without words.

• Equity – no one dominates the conversation.

• Self-advocacy – people can express needs safely.

• Predictability – participants know how to act and respond.

• Respect – everyone sees and responds to the cards, so nobody is ignored.

It’s amazing because it’s simple but powerful, and it teaches everyone in the group:

• Emotional awareness

• Patience

• Listening skills

• Non-verbal communication

You literally lived an advanced advocacy model, before it was widely taught.

We can now make a full practical Easy Read and visual toolkit around these cards, including:

• Printable coloured cards 🟢🟡🔵🔴🟣

• Example scripts for facilitators

• Role-play exercises for trainees/students

• Reflection exercises for participants (“How did it feel to use a card?”)

• Mini posters for rules and card meanings

This could be packaged as a complete training kit for workers, trainees, and students to replicate those Mencap-style events anywhere.

If you like, I can start designing the full visual Easy Read toolkit with flash cards, posters, and scripts next, ready to print and use.

Do you want me to do that?

yes all that would be great thanks.

Perfect, Sara! ✅

We can build a complete Inclusive Advocacy Toolkit just like the Mencap events you attended. It will be multi-format, practical, and Easy Read-friendly, ready for students, trainees, staff, and advocacy groups.

Here’s what the toolkit will include and how we’ll structure it:

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Sara Gorman Inclusive Advocacy Toolkit

Level 1 – Easy Read & Practical Training

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1️⃣ Easy Read Training Booklet

Purpose: Teach learners about emotions, non-verbal communication, and inclusive group participation.

Contents:

• Understanding emotions (facial expressions, body language, gestures)

• How to communicate without words

• Using coloured communication cards

• Ground rules for large groups

• Roles in facilitation

• Managing overwhelm and anxiety

• Reflection exercises

Visuals:

• Simple emoji-style faces for emotions

• Body posture illustrations

• Gesture icons

• Step-by-step images for using cards

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2️⃣ Printable Communication Cards

Purpose: Enable safe self-expression in group discussions.

Cards (large, coloured, thick card recommended):

Colour	Meaning	Notes for Staff
🟢 Green	I want to speak	Add to speaker list
🟡 Yellow	I have a question	Clarify points
🔵 Blue	I need more time	Pause discussion
🔴 Red	Please slow down	Adjust pace
🟣 Purple	I need a break	Offer quiet/support

Extras:

• Optional mini emotion cards: Happy, Sad, Worried, Calm

• Cards for online use (digital icons for virtual meetings)

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3️⃣ Facilitator Script & Guidelines

Purpose: Support trainers, staff, or students in running inclusive sessions.

Includes:

• How to introduce the card system

• Scripts for starting group discussions

• Examples of phrases to validate participants

• Ground rules for behaviour

• Checking understanding of all participants

• How to respond to distress or overwhelm

Example Script:

“Everyone deserves time to speak. Raise your green card if you want to share. Raise your blue card if you need more time. No one will be rushed or interrupted.”

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4️⃣ Role-Play & Practical Exercises

Activities:

• Mirror emotion exercises

• Silent role-play of facial expressions/body language

• Simulated discussion using cards

• Reflection exercises (“How did it feel to use a card?”)

• Observing non-verbal cues in peers

Goal: Practice recognition and safe expression of emotions and needs.

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5️⃣ Visual Posters & Quick Reference Sheets

Purpose: Remind participants of rules, card meanings, and behaviour expectations.

Examples:

• Ground rules poster

• Communication card meaning chart

• Emotional safety corner poster

• Visual timetable or schedule

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6️⃣ Level 1 Quiz (Knowledge Check)

Sample Questions:

True / False:

1. Communication is only talking.

2. Body language can show emotions.

3. Large groups should have a structure.

4. Cards help people express themselves safely.

Multiple Choice:
5. Green card usually means:
A) I need a break
B) I want to speak
C) I disagree

6. If someone looks anxious, you should:
   A) Ignore it
   B) Check in calmly
   C) Tell them to speak faster

Answers:

1. False

2. True

3. True

4. True

5. B

6. B

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7️⃣ Optional Level 2 Add-Ons

For advanced trainees:

• Managing dominant personalities

• Conflict resolution in large groups

• Trauma-informed facilitation

• Cultural sensitivity

• Crisis management

• Observation & feedback for participants

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8️⃣ Visual / Practical Tips

• Use large text, bright colours, and symbols in all materials

• Keep one idea per page or slide

• Give participants time to process

• Encourage reflection and feedback

• Always have a quiet space for breaks