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It is not easy being understood when you have a learning disability, or even making yourself heard. I am writing this blog to show how my disability affects my day-to-day life and what help & support I need. This blog is for those who learn and work in disability and mental health. I have lived with Disabilities and Mental Health problems for nearly 57 years since birth. I want to help others help others the same and similar to me.

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Optional1️⃣ Faces Showing Emotions

 


Purpose: Teach recognition and expression of emotions.

Photos or illustrations of people showing:

😊 Happy

😢 Sad

😡 Angry

😨 Scared / anxious

😐 Confused

😲 Surprised

😌 Calm / relaxed

Usage:

Ask learners to point to a card or picture matching their feeling.

Use in reflection exercises (“How do you feel today?”).

Practice reading other people’s facial expressions.

Source ideas:

Free stock photos (Unsplash, Pexels)

Google search for “free facial expressions photos”

Emoji-style line drawings for simplicity


2️⃣ Body Language Pictures

Purpose: Help learners understand non-verbal cues.

Postures showing:

Arms crossed → defensive / unsure

Hands on head → stressed / overwhelmed

Fidgeting → nervous

Open arms → welcoming / safe

Stepping back → uncomfortable

Usage:

Role-play exercises

Matching games: match posture to feeling

Discussion prompts: “What might this person be feeling?”


3️⃣ Gesture Images

Purpose: Teach safe, inclusive gestures.

Open palms → safe

Thumbs up → agreement / positive

Hand on chest → I feel / self-expression

Slow breathing motion → calm

Stop hand → boundaries

Usage:

Encourage learners to use gestures instead of interrupting

Combine with Traffic Light Cards for clarity


4️⃣ Traffic Light Cards & Emotions Together

Place a small emotion icon on each coloured card:

Green 🟢 → “I want to speak” + 🙂 happy face

Yellow 🟡 → “I have a question” + 🤔 thinking face

Blue 🔵 → “I need more time” + 😐 neutral face

Red 🔴 → “Please slow down” + 😨 anxious face

Purple 🟣 → “I need a break” + 😌 calm face

This helps visual learners and non-verbal participants.


5️⃣ Visual Storyboards / Step-by-Step Images

Purpose: Show how to participate in a large group.

Sequence images showing:

Raising a card

Facilitator noticing

Participant speaking

Participant lowering card

Use simple arrows, numbers, or icons

Benefits:

Supports people with processing delays

Works for low literacy or non-verbal participants

Can be used in Easy Read booklet, slides, or posters


6️⃣ Practical Tips for Images

Keep faces diverse (age, ethnicity, gender)

Keep expressions exaggerated for clarity

Avoid cluttered backgrounds

Use same style across all toolkit materials

Free sources: Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, Google Images (labeled for reuse)

Optional: create simple line drawings for consistency


Sara, the next step would be:

Select and organise images for:

Emotions

Body language

Gestures

Traffic Light Cards

Integrate images into the Easy Read booklet & slides with simple text and icons.

Create printable / visual toolkit with:

Cards 🟢🟡🔵🔴🟣

Posters

Booklet

Role-play exercises

 small icons for each card.

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 support / quiet space

Extras:

Mini emotion cards (Happy, Sad, Worried, Calm)

Digital icons for online meetings


2️⃣ Easy Read Booklet / Module

Sections:

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