Communication Access Resources: Communication Aids
There are many strategies as well as auxiliary aids and services that can make health interactions more accessible for you and your patients. The following communication aids are often used together to support the ACCESS framework.
On this page:
- Supported Communication Strategies
- Accommodations
- Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Health Care Planning Tools
These resources are not exhaustive, and the inclusion of any specific programs, products, or services from outside sources does not imply endorsement from ASHA.
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People with communication disabilities often have the capacity to understand health information and make their own decisions—as long as supported communication strategies are in place. Some examples of supported communication strategies include:
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These resources review supported communication strategies in more detail: Aphasia Institute: Communicative Access & Supported Conversation for Adults With Aphasia (SCA™): Techniques to aid conversation with someone who has aphasia. These strategies also are useful for other communication disabilities. Florida Center for Inclusive Communities: Providing Excellent Care for Patients With Developmental Disabilities [PDF]: Tips for supporting communication and adapting the care environment for people with developmental disabilities. Hearing Loss Association of America: Provider Guide for Effective Communication in Health Care: Strategies to support effective communication in various medical settings between health care workers and people who are deaf and hard of hearing. |
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Accommodations are changes to objects, policies, or procedures for more effective communication. They include services, devices, or environmental modifications to support full participation in health care. Some examples of accommodations include:
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See also the following resources: ADA National Network: Health Care and ADA Requirements: Accommodations, reasonable modifications, and effective communication requirements in health facilities and programs under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Disability Equity Collaborative: Accommodations for Patients With Disabilities in Health Care Facilities [PDF]: Disability accommodations that health care settings can make available to support equitable access. |
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Assistive technology (AT) refers to any item, device, or software used to support functional tasks that might otherwise be challenging. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a type of AT that people with speech, language, hearing, or cognitive difficulties may need to communicate, either temporarily or long term. AAC includes
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are professionals who can help people acquire and use AAC or other AT. They also can help assemble basic communication toolkits for your setting. Examples of low-tech AAC and other AT you can use include the following: |
Emergency Communication AidsEmergency cards: These aids aids help patients quickly notify others of a communication disability, the need for assistance, and emergency contact information. Many state disability and health agencies offer similar cards for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication needs.
Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency Communication Aids: Picture communication boards and posters in multiple languages to help individuals and emergency personnel discuss medical needs. |
Yes/No SystemsEstablishing a reliable yes/no system using these aids allows people to answer questions or give feedback without needing to speak or move their head. Make sure that you verify the person’s hearing and vision skills before using these aids. Yes/No/I Don't Know Badge Card [PDF]: These cards can be cut to fit into the back of ID badge holders. Patient–Provider Communication: Yes/No Communication System [PDF]: This aid includes instructions on how to use pointing or partner-assisted scanning to establish a yes/no response. |
Health Communication BoardsPatient–Provider Communication: Printable Tools and Materials: Free inpatient and outpatient communication supports—including alphabet/number boards; picture/word boards; pain scales; and images related to health and intensive care unit needs. Lingraphica: Health-Related Communication Tools: Printable communication boards with hospital graphics that convey basic wants, feelings, medical concerns, and mental health needs. Enter your information to access the free tools. |
Voice Assistive TechnologiesSome people need AT for voice output. It's important that people have the right device based on their needs, their health status, and the communication context. Consult an SLP regarding:
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Hearing Assistive TechnologiesHearing assistive technology systems (HATS) can be used along with hearing aids or cochlear implants, as indicated, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you or your patient need help obtaining or using these devices, contact an audiologist and/or your disability services coordinator.
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Telecommunications Relay ServicesTelecommunications relay services (TRS) allow people with communication disabilities to make and receive phone calls. Communication assistants help with conversations between callers. TRS are available free of charge by dialing 711. |
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Visits and hospital stays can go more smoothly if planning tools—which describe a person’s medical history, care preferences, and accommodations—are filled out ahead of time. Audiologists and SLPs can assist patients and care partners with these planning tools for self-advocacy. They can also provide health professionals with checklists to identify and plan for necessary communication supports. |
General Communication Access ChecklistsDisability Equity Collaborative: The Interact Tool [PDF]: A tool for patients and care partners to share communication strategies with their health care team. The patient or care partner should fill it out before—or at the start of—a visit or admission. Patient-Provider Communication: Communication Access Tool: Intake form for health professionals to gather information about a person’s communication strategies and access needs. This tool helps to arrange accommodations in advance. |
Hearing-Specific ToolsHearing Loss Association of America: Communication Access Plan (CAP) [PDF]: This one-page form records hearing status and communication needs of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. ASHA Patient Hearing Checklist [PDF]: Questionnaire to determine if an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid is an appropriate intervention. |
Toolkits for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)Florida Center for Inclusive Communities: Getting Ready For Your Doctor: Tools to help people with IDD outline their communication supports and health needs. Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. They also may be useful for other individuals with communication disabilities. Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education: Toolkit for Healthcare Providers of Autistic Adults: These forms outline how to make an appointment, what to bring to a visit, how to communicate health concerns, and what follow-up care entails. A separate tool creates a personalized accommodations report patients can give to health care workers. |
ASHA Support
For more information about communication disabilities and effective communication access, contact ASHA's Action Center:
- By email at actioncenter@asha.org
- By phone (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday) at 800-638-8255
Or visit ASHA's ProFind to find a communication professional near you.
