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A guide about

communication books

What is a communication book? A communication book is a book containing pages of photos or symbols that can be pointed to, in order to communicate with others. A communication book can be used to communicate for a variety of different reasons (to comment, describe, question etc.) and the pages are usually organised into topics. A communication book contains photos and symbols which are relevant and motivating to the user. A communication book can be used alongside other forms of communication, such as speech, signs, and other communication aids. It can be used instead of speech or alongside speech. Who can use a communication book? The user needs an ability to discriminate between photos or symbols. They need to be able to point to a photo or symbol in some way, for example, using an isolated finger, a fist or eye pointing. Why use a communication book? • To communicate more effectively with others. • Easy to transport and can be used in different environments and situations. • Easily used with familiar and unfamiliar people. • Promotes independence and the user is able to give a message without relying on an adult. • Doesn’t rely on a battery or power source. • New vocabulary can be added according to the changing needs of the user. • Symbols can be combined to create sentences varying in complexity. • Communication books can be as simple or complex as they need to be, according to the user’s ability. • Communication books encourage the development of communication skills and do not hinder speech

development. Who can help? The speech and language therapist can help to design the communication book, advising on layout, content and use of the book. The occupational therapist can offer advice on how the book should be accessed, for example, how the user will be able to point to the symbols, the layout of the book and the size of symbols needed. Further information can be found on the following website: http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/page/communication-books Creating a communication book Seek advice from the speech and language therapist before creating a book. The following should be considered: • number and size of photos or symbols on a page • layout and complexity of the book (various designs are used in Kent including Clare Latham, Look 2

Talk and PODD) • how the user will access the symbols (finger pointing, eye pointing etc.) • a personalised vocabulary • a vocabulary that contains a variety of word types so sentences can be formed and used for different

reasons (to comment, to question etc.) • Layout and content will depend on the age, cognitive and physical abilities of the user and the content

required.

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Communication book golden rules Modelling Introduce a book to the user by using it yourself as you talk to them. Do not expect the user to be able to use a communication book immediately. Introduce a few key pages at a time. Generalisation Users should be given opportunities to use their communication books throughout the day. Independence Make sure the user has their communication book with them throughout the day. Aim for the user to take maximum responsibility for travelling with their book in all settings. Curriculum ideas Literacy • Comment on a story. • Give instructions, for example, ‘turn the page’. • Describe an activity they have been part of. Numeracy • Data collection, for example, ‘how many children are in class today?’ • Joining in with counting songs. Music • Request a favourite song or instrument • Control music in a start or stop game. Social activities Circle time • Choose a song and join in with songs, for example, picking the animal for Old MacDonald. • Request more. • Take turns, for example, ‘Your turn, my turn’. • Comment on games, for example, ‘I like pop up frog’ or ‘That’s funny’. Snack time • Choose food. • Comment on likes or dislikes and describe foods. • Ask for more, stop or enough. Going for a walk • Describe what they see. • Make requests, for example, ‘Can we go to the park?’ • Ask a question. Group activities • Call someone over. • Gain someone’s attention. • Indicate my turn. • Join in a role play game. • Name an object in Kim’s Game. • Tell another child or group of children to perform an action. • Confirm agreement or disagreement with something.

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Generic ideas Commenting • Indicate finished. • Indicate more. • Indicate that they want something, for example, ‘I want the ball’. • Reject an idea, for example, ‘I don’t want to’. • Ask for help. • Indicate what they like or don’t like. • Describe toys, activities etc. • Say what they can see, for example, ‘I see a boat’. • Say how they feel. Requesting • Ask to go to the toilet. • Choose a toy or activity. • Ask for something in a shop. • Ask for something needed in an activity. • Ask for help, for example, to complete a puzzle. • Ask for an activity to stop. Give Instructions • Ready, steady, go games. • Simon Says games. Asking a question • Where someone is, for example ‘Where’s mummy?’ • Ask the name of an object, for example, ‘What is it?’ • ‘Who is it?’ Greetings • Good morning circle and answering the register. • Good-bye. • Thank you. Useful information Further information can be found at www.communicationmatters.org.uk

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Contact the Children’s Therapies Service Please contact your Integrated Therapy Team if you have any queries or concerns regarding the information in this leaflet.

Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Phone 01322 428242

Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks Phone 01892 501860

Maidstone and Malling Phone 01622 742333

Canterbury Phone 01227 783042

Thanet Phone 0300 042 0871

If you need communication support, an interpreter or this information in another language, audio, Braille, Easy Read or large print, please ask a member of staff.

You will be asked for your agreement to treatment and, if necessary, your permission to share your personal information. Leaflet code: 01040a Published: February 2017 Expires: February 2020 Page 4 of 4

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Customer Care Team If you have a query about our health services, or would like to comment, compliment or complain about Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, you can contact the Customer Care Team.

Phone: 0300 123 1807, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday Please say if you would like the team to call you back Text: 07899 903499 Email: kcht.cct@nhs.net

Address: Customer Care Team, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, Unit J, Concept Court, Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ Web: www.kentcht.nhs.uk