Communication & senses · England
Write down how I communicate
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This guide is for people in England.
A communication passport helps people understand how you communicate.
Your way of communicating matters.
You can help make the passport.
Write down how you communicate.
You might use words, sounds, movements, pictures or a device.
Write down what other people can do to help.
Tell them how much time you need.
Include how you show no, stop or not sure.
Include how you show that something hurts.
Supporters should write what they noticed.
They should explain when they are guessing what it means.
A speech and language therapist can help.
Ask about another way to communicate if your device stops working.
Think about who needs to see the passport.
Keep private information safe.
Check the passport when things change.
A passport does not give permission for treatment or other decisions.
What you can do next
Use the blank worksheet if it helps.
Ask someone you trust to work on it with you.
Read about communication passports Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- NHS explanation of communication passports Web page
How a passport differs from a communication book or a life story.
- NHS passport guidance and template Web page
Optional examples to adapt with the person and their communication team.
- A personal communication dictionary PDF
An NHS example of separating actions, possible meanings and responses. Its examples are individual, not universal.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Make a useful communication passport
An optional record and blank worksheet to help other people understand and respond to your communication.
Children and adults · England · Optional communication record, not an assessment
Make it with the person
A communication passport introduces the person's ways of communicating to other people. It can be short, use pictures, or have different formats. Involve the person as fully as possible and people they choose. For someone who cannot explain their preferences directly, gather careful observations from familiar people and situations. A passport should help others connect with the person, not replace interaction.
Record what helps
Include speech, sounds, movements, signs, objects, pictures or electronic communication aids the person uses. Record how to offer information, how long to wait and what makes communication harder. Explain how the person indicates a choice, refusal, uncertainty, enjoyment or discomfort. Avoid assuming that everyone uses the same sign for yes or no. Ask a speech and language therapist for help where needed.
Separate observation from interpretation
Write what happened before deciding what it meant. For example: 'Sam turned their head away when the music started' is an observation. 'Sam may want the music stopped' is a possible interpretation. Pause the music, offer an accessible choice and record the response. This invented example is not a universal meaning for head turning. Note disagreements and what still needs checking.
Support real communication
Describe how to gain attention respectfully, allow processing time and check understanding without repeated testing. Include access needs such as glasses, hearing support, suitable lighting or positioning. Speak to the person directly. Do not rush, finish their message for them or treat a lack of response as agreement. Ask a familiar supporter to demonstrate what works, then check how a new supporter uses it.
Plan for equipment problems
For communication aids, record the practical setup, where equipment is kept and who can help. Agree a suitable alternative when an electronic device is charging, broken or unavailable. A paper board is one option, but it must be accessible to that person. Do not assume an unfamiliar symbol system will work immediately.
Keep it current and proportionate
Add a date, people involved and review contact. Check the record after changes and at handovers. Share only information needed for its purpose, using an agreed safe route. The worksheet below is optional and original. It does not diagnose a condition, assess legal capacity or give consent. Services must still record and meet communication needs; the passport does not replace their own records.
Words you could use
“Please use my communication passport, give me time and check what I mean. Tell me if something in the record needs changing.”
More useful links
- NHS explanation of communication passports Web page
How a passport differs from a communication book or a life story.
- NHS passport guidance and template Web page
Optional examples to adapt with the person and their communication team.
- A personal communication dictionary PDF
An NHS example of separating actions, possible meanings and responses. Its examples are individual, not universal.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- Oxford Health NHS: communication books and passports Web page
The purpose of a passport, privacy and regular updates.
- Black Country Healthcare NHS: communication resources Web page
Person-centred passports, accessible methods and checking individual responses.
- Oxford Health NHS: personal communication dictionary PDF
Observation, possible meanings, agreed responses and review.
- St George's NHS: communication handbook PDF
Processing time, communication aids and practical communication support.
- Ace Centre: specialised AAC service guidance PDF
Non-electronic communication remains useful alongside electronic aids and as a backup.
- NHS England: Accessible Information Standard implementation Web page
Passports can supplement, but do not replace, services' own records of communication needs.
A page for you to fill in
You can type your answers and download a copy.
You can also print a page to write or draw on.
Someone you trust can help you.