Inclusive Advocacy, Mentoring, Coaching & Non-Verbal Communication Module – Easy Read / Visual

 

1️⃣ Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Explain advocacy, mentoring, and coaching.

• Support people using visual and verbal communication.

• Recognize and respond to emotions, needs, and urgency.

• Use Traffic Light, Emotion, Problem, and Urgency Cards in groups or one-to-one.

• Apply inclusive communication strategies for non-verbal or low literacy individuals.

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2️⃣ Introduction

• Advocacy: standing up for self or others

• Mentoring: guiding someone through support and advice

• Coaching: helping someone build skills and confidence

• Non-verbal communication: using pictures, words, and gestures to communicate

🖼 Picture idea: Person pointing to a card while mentor smiles and nods.

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3️⃣ Tools for Communication

a) Traffic Light Cards 🟢🟡🔵🔴🟣

• Green → I want to speak

• Yellow → I have a question

• Blue → I need more time

• Red → Please slow down

• Purple → I need a break

b) Emotion / Feeling Cards

• 🙂 Happy, 😢 Sad, 😡 Angry, 😨 Anxious, 😌 Calm, 🤔 Confused, 😷 Pain

c) Problem / Topic Cards

• Sleep, Eating, Home / Family, Relationships, Medication, Safety

d) Severity / Urgency Cards

• Green → mild

• Yellow → moderate

• Red → severe

e) Body Language & Gesture Symbols

• 👋 Hand wave → attention

• ✋ Stop → pause

• 🙏 Hands together → thank you

• 🤲 Open hands → receptive

• 🏃 Walking away → need a break

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4️⃣ Inclusive Communication Strategies

1. Ask simple questions using words + pictures.

2. Give extra time to respond.

3. Check understanding:

   “I see you’re anxious. Is that right?”

4. Respect Traffic Light and Severity Cards.

5. Use gestures, facial expressions, and visual aids.

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5️⃣ Step-by-Step Storyboards

• Participant raises card

• Facilitator notices and acknowledges

• Participant communicates feeling or problem

• Facilitator responds appropriately

• Participant lowers card

🖼 Picture idea: Sequence for one-to-one or group session

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6️⃣ Advocacy, Mentoring, Coaching Applications

Advocacy: support self-expression using cards & visual aids
Mentoring: guide step-by-step, using visual prompts & reflection
Coaching: build confidence, skills, and understanding through exercises & role-play

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7️⃣ Role-Play & Practical Exercises

• Mirror facial expressions & gestures

• Match emotions to cards

• Simulated group / one-to-one session using cards

• Reflection: “How did it feel to communicate this way?”

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8️⃣ Ground Rules / Posters

• One person speaks at a time

• Listen respectfully

• Use cards to communicate needs

• Allow breaks if needed

• Recognize gestures & emotions

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9️⃣ Easy Read Quiz

True / False:

1. Advocacy is only about speaking.

2. Mentoring can use visual aids.

3. Non-verbal cues should be ignored.

4. Coaching can involve role-play.

Multiple Choice:
5. Purple Traffic Light Card means:
A) I want to speak
B) I need a break
C) I am confused

6. What helps someone communicate if they cannot talk?
   A) Pictures & words
   B) Talking faster
   C) Ignoring them

Answers:

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. True

5. B

6. A

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10️⃣ Printable / Visual Materials

• Traffic Light Cards 🟢🟡🔵🔴🟣

• Emotion / Problem / Urgency Cards

• Body Language & Gesture Icons

• Step-by-Step Storyboards / Posters

• Easy Read Booklet Pages

• Role-Play Sheets

• Quiz Pages