Ways of communicating

There are thousands of ways to communicate and connect – be it through speech, sign language, touch, movement, gesture, sound, pictures, objects or electronic aids.

At Sense, we use whatever mix works best to help people who have complex disabilities, or are deafblind, to communicate and experience the world.

We’ll use whatever works. We call this our ‘total communication’ approach.

Common ways of communicating include:

• Sign language.
• Makaton, a simpler version of sign language.
• Braille uses raised dots to touch.
• Deafblind Manual spelling words on to your hand.
• Lipreading.

Different ways of communicating

Whatever mix of methods you use, a total communication approach will make it easier and more enjoyable to connect meaningfully with someone who communicates differently from you.

Remember, it’s never too late to start learning a new way of communicating. Have a go and don’t worry about getting it wrong.

Total communication is also about creating a positive environment that will help you communicate and interact.

For example, this may mean:

• Changing the lighting in the room.
• Reducing the amount of background noise.
• Moving position so that you can see or hear better.
• Reducing clutter or removing things that are distracting.