A Communication Passport is a document that contains helpful facts about a non-speaking individual, their needs and preferences and their methods of communicating, making it easier for new or unfamiliar people to interact with them confidently and successfully.
For people with complex communication needs, a Communication Passport provides information about the person, so that others can get to know them; more easily provide the support that might be required; or know how to use the communication skills/ tools that the person does have.
The image above is a Communication Passport template made in Grid 3. It is possible to have digital versions on a communication device, with a low tech / paper version printed out for easy access and times with the device is not available.
If it is a paper version, the booklet can be laminated and ring bound, for easy updating and access; attached to a wheelchair – or any other strategy that encourages people to have a quick read to get to know the person a little better, and start communicating! The document can be as lengthy as you like, and include current learning goals for example, or could be very brief and simply about sharing key info. The book belongs to the person with communication difficulties, so their input should be sought about its appearance & contents. A few key people who know the individual best, can contribute to its development. There could be a section where new goals, interests, topics of conversation and stories can easily be added by a wider group, as a way to share information that the person may like to talk about with their partners and to keep everybody up to date with current / ongoing news.
Whichever system or design you use, make sure that it is not packed away, and is readily visible and accessible so that new partners are aware it exists and can make use of the valuable information it contains!
CALL Scotland, an organisation that support people with communication & access difficulties, (Communication, Access, Literacy & Learning) share a valuable site with more information about Communication Passports. They have several templates to download which may give you an idea of where to start too.
Sheffield Kids also has some lovely designs for templates you could use, with themes from flowers, to army, dogs & cats, space and many more.
