Without words – meaningful information for people with high individual communication needs

Accessible summary• Some people with learning difficulties do not use words. They tell you things using their bodies. • Supporters must get to know these people very well and tell them things in their own special way.Summary The provision of appropriate accessible or easy information has been recognized as a right for people with learning difficulties (Department of Health 2001a). However, there is a large and growing group of people with learning difficulties whose needs cannot be met by the use of techniques such as short sentences and appropriate pictures or technological support. People with high individual communication needs do not use formal methods of communication such as speech, writing or symbols. They communicate in their own unique way through their bodies, facial expressions, sounds, eye gaze or pointing. This paper stresses the importance of individual and person centred approaches which respect and respond to the individual's form of communication. It presents seven principles which will help those around the individual to understand them, the way they communicate, where they communicate best and which encourages supporters only to provide information that is relevant.