In 2004 SPEAK Unlimited Inc created Communication Boards for Police, Hospital, Paramedic and EMS using another software that required a copyright fee to be collected. It has long been a desire of our Board to be able to provide these communication boards free of charge.
In 2012 we connected and collaborated with Widgit Health of the United Kingdom and are finally able to offer communication boards free to download. When you click on the link below you will be redirected to the Widgit website and from there you will be able to print communication boards without charge.
This symbol communication board was created as a tool to assist Paramedics and those in the Emergency Medical Services in interacting with any individual for whom clear speech is difficult or impossible. Available in British English and dual-language American / Spanish.
Communication Boards will help Emergency Responders bridge communication gaps due to:
- Autism
- Learning Disabilities
- Spoken language disorders
- Poor articulation due to cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic injury…
- Non-English Speakers
- Deaf or hard of hearing individuals
- Alzheimer’s or similar syndromes
- Lost or frightened children
How to use these boards
These communication boards were developed as a means to support two-way conversation. To gather information from a person who cannot communicate easily, simply show the individual the board, point to an appropriate picture and verbally ask the question that fits the symbol.
It is important for the professional to consider that the individual, although nonverbal, may be able to read, write or use a keyboard to answer questions. Assume Competence. Offering access to a keyboard, Ipad, paper and pencil/pen could provide the best possible response to questions.
Place the board directly in front of the patient or hand it to him/her. Then ask them to point to a selection whilst asking an appropriate question.The patient may just point without comment or gesture, you need to be alert to this possibility.
Interacting with persons with a communication difficulty can be frustrating, but with your use of the communication board, such interaction can be easier and more efficient.
** SPEAK Unlimited will still custom communication boards using Boardmaker software that is available for purchase if you prefer that format.
For more information please e-mail me at srzrrz@gmail.com
POLICE COMMUNICATION BOARDS
SCHOOL NURSE COMMUNICATION BOARDS
School Nurse Communication Board
EMS/PARAMEDIC COMMUNICATION BOARDS