Communication Boards

What Are Communication Boards?

Communication boards are tools that help people express themselves when speaking is difficult or not possible. They fall under augmentative and alternative communication, often shortened to AAC. This means they can either support existing speech or replace it entirely, depending on what the person needs.

The boards themselves can be low tech or high tech. A basic version might be a printed sheet of paper or laminated card. High tech options include dedicated speech generating devices and AAC apps on tablets with dynamic displays that change based on selections. Both types serve the same core purpose: giving someone a way to share their thoughts, needs and feelings without relying on their voice.

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Who Might Use a Communication Board?

People lose the ability to speak clearly for many reasons. Some are temporary, others permanent. Common causes include:

• Having a tracheostomy or breathing tube inserted
• Stroke or brain injury affecting speech muscles or language processing
• Progressive neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• Conditions present from birth, including cerebral palsy or learning disabilities
• Surgery affecting the mouth, throat or voice box

In hospital settings, communication boards may be used with patients in intensive care who cannot speak because of ventilation equipment, though availability varies considerably between hospitals and not all units will have boards readily accessible. Outside hospitals, they support people living at home, in care settings or attending school.

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How Communication Boards Work

Most boards display a combination of letters, words, phrases and pictures. The layout depends on who will use it and what they need to communicate most often.

A person using the board points to items to build up meaning. They might spell out words letter by letter, select whole phrases like "I need help" or "I am in pain", or point to pictures representing common objects and actions. Some boards include sections for yes and no, numbers, or feelings.

For people who cannot point reliably with a finger, other methods exist. Eye gaze boards allow someone to look at their chosen item while a partner follows their gaze. Partner assisted scanning is another option where the communication partner points to items in turn, and the person signals when the correct one is reached.

Electronic boards and apps often include speech output and may feature predictive text or personalised phrase suggestions. The device speaks aloud when an item is selected, which can help conversations flow more naturally.

Getting a Communication Board

Speech and language therapists are usually the starting point. They assess a person's abilities and recommend suitable communication tools. In the NHS, referrals can come through a GP, hospital consultant or other healthcare professional.

Many areas have specialist AAC services that provide detailed assessments and can loan equipment. The charity Communication Matters offers a directory of AAC services across the UK and publishes guidance for families and professionals.

Ready made communication boards can be downloaded free from various sources, including NHS trust websites and organisations like Ace Centre. These printable versions are useful while waiting for a formal assessment or as a backup option.

For people who need electronic devices, funding may be available through the NHS, local authorities or charities. The processes involved are often complex and vary significantly by location and individual circumstances, so working closely with your speech and language therapy team from the outset is advisable.

Training matters too. Carers and family members often need guidance on how to support someone using a communication board effectively, and therapy teams can advise on this.

While communication boards are not suitable for every individual, they can provide a valuable means of communication for many people when matched appropriately to their needs. A simple printed board can be an important tool for some individuals struggling to express themselves verbally.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Therapy Options Guide lets you describe a speech or language issue and discover the treatments and therapies available in the UK. Takes about 2 minutes. Try it now →