What is a communication book?

 A book/ chart/ board with pictures and sometimes text. They are used for people who have limited speech to get their message across. For example, if someone is asked where they want to go to, they are able to show a picture in their communication book of the park, or pub, or bowling alley etc.

What is the difference between a communication book and a communication passport?

Everyone’s communication book or passport is very individual, but in essence:

A communication book is for the user to get their message across.

A communication passport is a way of sharing information about the individual that has been put together by people that know them very well.

What form does a communication passport take?

It may be a book, or a video or other form of media, or even a 'life' box which helps you to get to know a person and understand how best to communicate with them.

Why are communication passports useful?

In a few minutes of looking at the communication passport, you can grasp the important things about a person.

It does not include detailed personal information, so can be taken around everywhere.

It lets let medical staff know how to communicate, gives likes and dislikes and gives important contact details.

Where are communication books and passports used?

Everywhere! Communication passports have been used very effectively for users and their carers at home, in schools, colleges, supported living environments and in hospitals.

They can be attached to someone’s wheelchair so they are always at hand.

Where can I learn to put together communication books and passports?

Check out the Resource and Ideas Bank for lots of ideas and a colourful flow chart to help you decide the type and style of information you may be wanting to create for someone.
Download an Example Communication Passport
Every so often there are short training sessions in putting a communication passport together.
Contact us at OTC for details.