Communication aids and support
There are so many different ways available to support all methods of communication, from technology to personalised one-to-one support.
There are so many different ways available to support all methods of communication, from technology to personalised one-to-one support.
Thanks to developments in digital and assistive technology people with complex disabilities now have many more ways to communicate and connect with other people.
Here is an outline of the types of technology and specialist one-to-one support available.
Meet Joe
As a teenager, Joe’s education funding was under threat. That is until Sense College stepped in and proved Joe’s ability to keep learning given the right support and specialist equipment. Joe learnt to use Eye Gaze technology, which uses a laser beam to fix onto his eye movements so he can `eye point’ and make selections on a computer. Now when he wants to say something, he can choose the words and symbols he needs. At last, he can communicate more easily – and carry on his education.
Of course, technology comes in all shapes and sizes, and is used across our Sense services. We constantly search out ways to break down the barriers to accessing technology, and support people to get the most out of what’s available. Find out more about our approach to using technology at Sense.
Interpreters can act as a translator between you and the person or people you are communicating with.
Types of interpreters include:
You can find an interpreter through The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).
Intervenors and communicator guides are specially trained to work one-to-one with people in a number of ways, including aiding communication.
Like interpreters, they can act as an intermediary between you and the person or people you are communicating with.
Find out about Sense Intervenors and Communicator Guides.
Social haptic communication can be used to add to the information that a person receives through other methods of communication, such as speech or sign language.
The individual receives additional touch signals from another person, often on their back, or another part of their body.
For example, in the picture below, a musician with sight and hearing impairments receives instructions from the conductor of the orchestra through social haptic communication from his support worker.
Get in touch for information and advice about communication