Communication A to Z

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.

301 topics, showing 61–70 (page 7 of 31).

C

Communication book

Also called Symbol book, PODD book, Communication folder

A paper book of symbol pages, organised so the person can navigate it and a partner can help, with a full vocabulary and no battery.

Communication breakdown

Also called Breakdown, Miscommunication, Failed communication

Knowing when a conversation has failed, and deciding who carries the work of fixing it. Hint: it shouldn't always be the person with the least speech.

Communication dictionary

Also called Personal communication dictionary, Communication chart, Behaviour dictionary, Gesture dictionary

A table with three columns: what the person does, what we think it means, and what we do about it. So everyone reads the same look the same way.

Communication fatigue

Also called AAC fatigue, Communication effort, Speaking fatigue

AAC is physical and mental work, every sentence. Why it tires people out, and how to build rest into the day instead of blaming them.

Communication-friendly environments

Also called Communication friendly settings, Communication supportive environment, Communication-friendly spaces

Noise, light, layout, signage and time. A setting can make communication easier or impossible without anyone noticing, and most of it can be changed.

Communication in a care home

Also called Residential care and communication, Care home AAC

What good communication support looks like in a care home, and the questions to ask before you choose one.

Communication in care standards

Also called CQC communication, Regulation 9, Regulation 10, Fundamental standards, Care inspection communication

What the regulator expects a care service to do about communication, and how to raise it when a provider is not doing it.

Communication in hospital

Also called Inpatient communication, Communication on the ward

A ward is loud, fast and full of strangers. Here is how to get your needs met there when you cannot speak.

Communication in the classroom

Also called AAC in school, Classroom AAC

A lesson moves at speaking pace. Here is how a teacher makes it reachable for a pupil who uses AAC.

Communication needs in the care plan

Also called Care plan communication section, Support plan communication, Communication care plan

If how a person communicates is not written into the care plan, a new carer on a Sunday night will not know it. Here is what to write and how to make it stick.

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