Saturday, 21 February 2026

Inclusive Communication & Advocacy Toolkit – Easy Read / Visual

 

1️ Traffic Light Cards (🟢🟡🔵🔴🟣)

Large colored cards with words + emotion symbols:

🟢 Green I want to speak 🙂

🟡 Yellow I have a question 🤔

🔵 Blue I need more time 😌

🔴 Red Please slow down 😨

🟣 Purple I need a break 😢

Use: For group sessions, workshops, classrooms, or large meetings.


2️ Emotion / Feeling Cards

Each card has word + picture for instant understanding:

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

Use: Patients, students, or participants can point to how they feel.

Ideal for non-verbal communication, low literacy, or stress situations.


3️ Problem / Topic Cards

Pictures + words for common issues:

😴 Sleep problems, 🍽️ Eating issues, 💬 Trouble speaking, 🏠 Home/family, 👥 Relationships, 💊 Medication, ⚠️ Safety/self-harm concerns

Use: Staff asks: “Which of these is affecting you today?”

Quick way to triage priorities in time-limited sessions.


4️ Severity / Urgency Cards

Colour-coded:

🟢 Mild safe to discuss

🟡 Moderate attention needed

🔴 Severe urgent / crisis

Combine with Traffic Light Cards to communicate both needs and urgency instantly.


5️ Body Language & Gesture Symbols

👋 Hand wave attention / greeting

Stop pause / boundary

🙏 Hands together thank you / polite request

🤲 Open hands safe / receptive

🏃 Person walking away need a break

Use: Helps participants read and express non-verbal cues.


6️ Step-by-Step Visual Storyboards

Sequence for group participation:

Participant raises card

Facilitator notices

Participant shares idea / feeling

Card is lowered

Group responds respectfully

Can be posters or booklet images.


7️ Easy Read Booklet

Sections:

What is Group Advocacy?

Why Large Groups Need Structure

Understanding Emotions (Face, Body, Gestures)

Using Traffic Light & Emotion Cards

Ground Rules

Roles in Large Groups / Clinical Sessions

Managing Overwhelm & Anxiety

Reflection & Practice

Quiz / Knowledge Check

Visuals: Photos, emoji-style icons, gesture drawings, step-by-step images.


8️ Role-Play & Practical Exercises

Mirror facial expressions

Identify gestures & emotions

Practice using traffic light cards

Simulated group discussion / one-to-one clinical session

Reflection questions: “How did it feel to use a card?”


9️ Easy Read Quiz

True / False:

Communication is only talking.

Cards help everyone take part.

One person speaks at a time.

Breaks are not needed.

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

If someone looks worried:
A) Ignore them
B) Check in calmly
C) Ask them to speak faster

Answers:

False

True

True

False

B

B


10️ Optional Adaptations

Healthcare & Mental Health Settings: GPs, therapists, counselors, students can have cards handy to ask: “Is this how you feel today?”

Digital versions: For telehealth sessions or virtual groups.

Printable posters: For rooms, classrooms, or therapy spaces.

Custom symbols: Additional emotion or problem cards for specific contexts.

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