Communication & senses · England
Help to communicate
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This guide is for people in England.
There are many ways to communicate.
You can communicate in your own way.
Your views matter.
You might use sounds, movements, objects or pictures.
You might use more than one way.
Some devices speak messages.
You might control a device with your hands, eyes or a switch.
Talking Mats uses pictures to help some people share their views.
Ask whether it would suit you.
Makaton uses signs, symbols and speech.
Ask someone trained in Makaton for help.
A speech and language therapist can help.
They can check what works for you.
People who support you may need training.
You need time to communicate.
Tell someone if your communication aid does not work for you.
Ask for help or a review.
Symbols and other ways to share messages
You might use Blissymbols or another symbol system.
You can also use photos, drawings or objects.
Read the linked guide to explore more options.
What you can do next
Please help me find ways to communicate.
Please listen to my choices.
Read about communication aids Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- Talking Mats Web page
Learn about the visual framework and its uses.
- Makaton Web page
Learn about signs, symbols and speech.
- Find speech and language therapy Web page
Routes to NHS and independent support.
- Bradford Talking Media (BTM): Easy Read library Web pageEasy Read resources
Booklets about health, everyday life, safety and leisure. Some information is older or local to Bradford.
- BTM: information you can listen to Web page
Audio recordings in English and some other languages. Some recordings are older, so check they still meet your needs.
- BILD: making information accessible Video
A public webinar from July 2026 about clearer information and working with people with learning disabilities. With a self-advocate and a speech and language therapist.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Products you can explore
You can look at products on a separate page of this website.
Money earned from these links will help maintain Clearer Support and the My Life My Say app, and provide free advocacy.
Communication aids, Talking Mats and Makaton
Find ways to express yourself using objects, pictures, signs or technology.
Children and adults · England
Start with the person
Augmentative and alternative communication, often shortened to AAC, supports communication when speech alone is not enough. Someone may use several methods. Begin with what they already communicate, what matters to them, and who they want to communicate with. Notice their own movements, sounds and expressions. A learning disability diagnosis or an IQ score should not be used as a blanket reason to dismiss communication support.
Paper, objects and electronic aids
Options include objects, photographs, symbol boards, books, signs and devices that speak messages. A tablet is one possibility; a dedicated speech device is another. Some people use touch, a switch or eye gaze to control equipment. Assessment should consider vision, hearing, movement, seating, fatigue and the person's language. More expensive technology is not automatically more useful. Ask about trials before buying.
Talking Mats
Talking Mats is a structured visual framework for expressing views. A trained supporter offers a topic and options, which the person places against a visual scale. It can use physical symbols or a digital version. The person needs a suitable way to understand and respond to that framework. It is not automatically suitable for everyone with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Ask about individual suitability and training.
Makaton
Makaton combines signs, symbols and speech. Signs are generally used alongside speech in spoken word order. Symbols can also help someone who cannot or prefers not to sign. The approach and vocabulary need to fit the person and their everyday life. It is different from Talking Mats. Use official guidance and training; do not expect someone to understand a sign or symbol simply because it is offered.
Ask for assessment and ongoing help
Ask your local speech and language therapy team about AAC. Specialist NHS equipment services have additional eligibility criteria. Not meeting those criteria does not mean all AAC is unsuitable: ask about local provision and other support. Plan training for communication partners, practice in real situations and a method to use when equipment is unavailable. Agree who handles repairs, updates and reviews.
Protect the person's own voice
Give time to respond and make space for disagreement. Do not guide someone towards the answer you prefer. A communication tool can support a conversation but is not, by itself, a test of mental capacity. For people aged 16 and over, capacity concerns relate to a particular decision at a particular time, with appropriate support. Record communication needs and ask services to meet them.
Make information easier to understand together
Accessible information should be developed with the people who will use it. BILD’s July 2026 webinar brings together a self-advocate and a speech and language therapist to discuss clearer information and working together. It is a learning resource for people and supporters; the webinar page is not labelled Easy Read. Keep asking the person which format, communication method and support work for them.
Blissymbols and alternatives to writing
The linked symbols guide explores Blissymbols, Widgit, PCS, ARASAAC, Mulberry and Makaton, alongside photographs, drawings and objects. It includes resources, ways to try them and a worksheet for recording the person’s choices.
Words you could use
“Please help me find ways to communicate that suit me. I want to discuss my preferences, access needs, training and ongoing support.”
More useful links
- Talking Mats Web page
Learn about the visual framework and its uses.
- Makaton Web page
Learn about signs, symbols and speech.
- Find speech and language therapy Web page
Routes to NHS and independent support.
- Bradford Talking Media (BTM): Easy Read library Web pageEasy Read resources
Booklets about health, everyday life, safety and leisure. Some information is older or local to Bradford.
- BTM: information you can listen to Web page
Audio recordings in English and some other languages. Some recordings are older, so check they still meet your needs.
- BILD: making information accessible Video
A public webinar from July 2026 about clearer information and working with people with learning disabilities. With a self-advocate and a speech and language therapist.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Products you can explore
You can look at products on a separate page of this website.
Money earned from these links will help maintain Clearer Support and the My Life My Say app, and provide free advocacy.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- RCSLT: augmentative and alternative communication Web page
Individual AAC assessment, communication methods, training and review.
- East Midlands NHS: communication aids Web page
Electronic aids and access through touch, switches and eye gaze.
- NHS England: specialised AAC referral guidance PDF
Specialised eligibility does not determine access to all AAC support.
- Talking Mats: what is a Talking Mat? Web page
The structured visual framework, symbols and scale.
- Talking Mats: health and social care Web page
Communication support and practitioner training.
- The Makaton Charity: what is Makaton? Web page
Signs, symbols and speech, adapted to the person.
- GOV.UK: checking mental capacity Web page
Decision-specific capacity and communication by any means.
- NHS England: Accessible Information Standard Web page
Services should identify and meet communication support needs.
- BILD: making information accessible Web page
A public webinar from July 2026 about clearer information and working with people with learning disabilities. With a self-advocate and a speech and language therapist.