Hospital communication board for people who use pictures

This communication board can be used in hospital. It supports people who do not use speech or who find pictures easier than words. People can point to pictures, letters or numbers to share what they want to say. It can be helpful for people with complex disability, or more than one disability. 

The board has six sets of pictures on different topics. It also has an alphabet and number chart. These tools can help people communicate about comfort, needs, feelings and basic information. 

Health professionals need to come prepared with tools like this. In hospital, people may be sick, tired or anxious. Without the right tools, it can be hard to understand what someone needs. Communication boards help support better healthcare. 

Before using the board, ask about the person’s communication needs and preferences. 

This communication board is from the SPEAK Project by Alfred Health and South West Healthcare. The SPEAK Project is trying to make it better for people with disability when they come to the hospital.