Communication is one of the most important things we do.
It means we can get what we need from other people, let people know what we're about, understand other people, make friends and be included.
We all communicate in different ways. But we need 'shared communication' to communicate - this means I need to understand what it means when you say or do something, and you need to understand what it means when I say or do something.
Communication can be more difficult for many people with learning disabilities. It takes longer for other people to get to know them and to understand how they communicate.
There are ways we can make it easier for people to communicate and have 'shared communication'.
In Southampton we have:
- Set up a panel of experts
Where the customer is the expert. These will be citizens of Southampton with learning disabilities. Training and support will be provided so that the panel can assess the accessibility of information.
- Mystery shopping
Train citizens with learning disabilities to assess and feedback on front line service and information.
- Train the trainer
Recruit citizens with learning disabilities and train them to provide training in accessible communications and clearer information.
- Establish a Southampton picture database.
Establish and develop a picture database, which will be used to increase the accessibility of written information
There are also websites that can help with communication
Click on the links below to find out more
