Objects of reference
Also called OoR, Reference objects, Object cues, Tangible symbols
A flannel means bath. A spoon means dinner. Real things that stand for what's about to happen, for people who aren't using pictures yet.
Somebody hands you a leaflet that says AAC. A review mentions partner-assisted scanning. A ward asks whether your dad has a communication passport. Everyone else in the room seems to know what these words mean, and asking feels like admitting you're behind. You aren't. This library explains each one plainly: what it is, who it helps, how it works, and what you can do about it this week. Search by the word you heard.
Please note: This page is general information about communication and the ways people are supported to communicate. It is not an assessment, a diagnosis or speech and language therapy, and it does not know the person you have in mind. If you are worried about someone's speech, language or communication, ask a GP, a health visitor or a speech and language therapist. In an emergency, call 999; if you cannot speak, Relay UK on 18000 or the emergencySMS service reach the same operators.
7 topics filed under O.
Also called OoR, Reference objects, Object cues, Tangible symbols
A flannel means bath. A spoon means dinner. Real things that stand for what's about to happen, for people who aren't using pictures yet.
Also called Choice-making, Offering a choice of two, Forced choice
Two real options, shown as well as said, and whichever one is picked, that's what happens. Even when you'd have chosen the other.
Also called Body signing, Canaan Barrie signs, Body signs, Touch cues
Signs made on the person's own body rather than in the air, for people who cannot see hands or attend to them, so the word is felt, not watched.
Also called One page profile, Person-centred profile, All about me
Three headings on one sheet: what people like and admire about me, what matters to me, and how best to support me. The shortest useful document there is.
Also called Messaging and social media for AAC users, Digital communication
Online, nobody hears your speech and nobody watches you type. For many AAC users it is the fairest room there is. Here is how to use it safely.
Also called Free symbols, Open-licence symbols, Mulberry symbols, Sclera symbols, Global Symbols
Mulberry, Sclera, ARASAAC and the Global Symbols collection: symbol sets anyone can use, print and build into software without a licence fee.
Also called Community communication, Communicating in public
Shops, buses, cafés and strangers. What to prepare, what to carry, and how to handle the person who talks to your carer instead of you.
Fiducia Talk is a complete talking board: 308 symbol cards, a phonics keyboard and a big-key keyboard, speaking in your device's own voice. No account, no subscription, and nothing you say leaves your device.
Open the boardAccessibility toolkit
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