Communication Is More Than Talking
Many people think communication only means speaking.
This is not true.
People communicate in many different ways.
Communication can include:
Speech
Sign language
Makaton
Pictures
Symbols
Writing
Reading
Touch
Gestures
Facial expressions
Body language
Eye pointing
Objects of reference
Technology and communication aids
Different people communicate in different ways.
1. Communication Is for Everyone
Communication is important throughout life.
It is needed in:
Education
Employment
Healthcare
Social care
Housing
Benefits services
Community activities
Friendships
Relationships
Family life
Communication is not just for children.
Adults and older people need accessible communication too.
Support should continue throughout a person's life.
2. Everyone Communicates Differently
No two people communicate in exactly the same way.
Some people may:
Prefer speaking
Prefer signing
Use symbols
Use communication devices
Use a mixture of methods
Many people use more than one communication method depending on the situation.
3. Total Communication
A good approach is called Total Communication.
This means using whatever communication methods work best for the individual.
For example:
Speech and pictures
Sign language and speech
Symbols and writing
Touch and gestures
Technology and visual supports
The goal is simple.
To help people:
Understand information
Express themselves
Make choices
Be included in society
Communication should fit the person, not the other way around.
4. Non-Verbal Communication
Communication does not always involve words.
People can communicate through:
Facial expressions
Eye contact
Gestures
Pointing
Body language
Sounds
Smiling
Changes in behaviour
For some people with complex disabilities, autism, learning disabilities, dementia, or sensory impairments, non-verbal communication may be an important way of expressing needs, feelings, and choices.
5. The Importance of Accessible Communication
People should not be excluded because information is difficult to understand.
Accessible communication may include:
Easy Read
Plain English
Large print
Audio information
Braille
Symbols
Pictures
Captioned videos
Communication passports
Communication aids
When information is accessible, people can:
Make informed choices
Understand their rights
Participate fully
Become more independent
6. Communication Passports
Some people use a communication passport.
A communication passport explains:
How a person communicates
What support they need
Their likes and dislikes
Important information for staff and carers
Communication passports can be useful in:
Schools
Colleges
Hospitals
Care services
Supported living
Community activities
They help new staff understand a person's communication needs quickly and effectively.
7. What Professionals Need to Remember
Professionals should never assume that a person cannot communicate.
Instead they should:
Take time to listen
Observe carefully
Use accessible information
Adapt their communication style
Respect individual preferences
Be patient
Check understanding
Communication difficulties do not mean a person has nothing to say.
Often it means they need information and communication presented differently.
8. A Person-Centred Approach
Good communication is person-centred.
This means:
Seeing the person first
Understanding their strengths
Respecting their choices
Adapting support to meet their needs
Every person has the right to:
Be heard
Be understood
Understand information
Make decisions about their own life
Summary
Communication is a basic human right.
People communicate in many different ways.
Good communication support helps people:
Learn
Work
Build relationships
Access services
Make choices
Live independently
The best communication method is the one that works for the individual person.
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