What Speech Therapists Don't Tell You About Using A Communication Board (adults included)

Jul 2
2 min read

This post is all about Communication Board Adults

What do you need to know about communication boards for adult tips and tricks!

Low Tech For The Win

Sometimes a high tech device with too many buttons can be overwhelming. Using a set of cards with the clients favorite items can be equally effective (in my humble opinion)

Repetition Repetition Repetition

If you feel like a broken record, you are doing something right!

Patience is a $!*@&.... Virtue

You need to be extremely patient when using these systems and training on them. It can take years.

Focus on Function

Focus on the words that are most salient to the client:

store
hobbies
wallet
keys
phone
doctors appointment
favorite food
going for a walk

meeting a friend).

And the basics

bathroom
hungry
drink
pain
cold
hot

Advocate

If they are your family member you know what they liked before and typically ask for. Be their advocate, make sure your SLP programs these types of words into the device.

Ask for Training

Ask for training on how to use the device in your daily life!! Don't be shy or intimidated by the process.

Get Creative

Figure out what works for you. This could be adding a strap to the Ipad due to limited mobility when walking, a handle to the back, a stand to help get it in the right position. It could also mean using laminated cards bound together with a silver ring.

You Use The Board

Model use of the board by using it yourself while talking! The pressure doesn't always need to be on the patient or your loved one to use it!

Whiteboard

Have a whiteboard on hand in case the patient is able to draw or write something out that is not listed on the board. Even in client's that have challenges, I find they can write out the first letter (if given some time) and then you can make a guess from there.