This communication aid comes in many shapes and sizes. Most need to be custom made to match the physical, social and intellectual needs of the participant. This includes personalising the vocabulary and content and considering issues such as how the participant will carry it, how they will use it, and how they will maintain and update it.
There are 3 types of communication aids.
- Quality of Life aid: these are used by people with no speech or very difficult to understand speech. They are designed to improve the quality of life, and are designed for use by the communication partner. They include: personal history books; communication profile; communication diary, Book About Me.
- Aids to help Understanding: these are designed to help a participant make sense of their day and include diaries; activity schedules; shopping lists; chore charts, etc.
- Aids to help Communication: these assist a person to communicate and include: communication boards; chat books; alphabet boards; talking mats, etc. The parents/caregivers will assist you to become familiar with the communication methods and anything you have to do, such as recharging batteries.
Scope Victoria has some excellent resources and information relating to communication devices.
Further information
Scope Victoria – www.scopevic.org.au
