Visual communication environments enable people who find it difficult to communicate to access information and make their views known. Depending on the communicative competence of the user, the environment will consist of objects, pictures/photos or symbols or even a combination of all of these.

The visual material can be displayed in many ways, for example as a timetable, in a communication book, labelling on cupboards or as a worksheet. Some people will use the visual aids just to enable them to know what is happening, but others may develop a system of communicating through pictures and symbols to make choices and influence events.

For some users pictures/symbols will supplement speech, but for those who are unable to speak pictures/symbols may be their main way of communicating their thoughts.

To help people understand what is happening. Think how we use visual prompts in our everyday life – most road signs are symbols through which information is conveyed about the road ahead.

Imagine being in a country where you cannot speak the language – a symbol on a signpost, such as railway station, can help you find your way around. Even in fast food shops, pictures on the menu accompany the written word to clarify what the meal consists of.

A visual representation of something is static – it allows us time to process the information it is conveying. Compare this to information you have to process through hearing alone – if you miss what is being said for whatever reason, maybe a noisy distraction in the room, you lose the meaning.

Anyone who finds it difficult to understand spoken language could benefit from this approach. We all process information through a combination of hearing, seeing and even smell and touch. Even if someone can understand single words, problems may arise when these words are put together in sentences – there may be just too much information to process.

People who struggle to cope with social communication find it difficult to relate to others, and therefore if information is presented in a visual format it takes away the stress of interaction. Some people with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) may have heightened sensory awareness, for example extraneous noise will sound so loud it will have an effect on their ability to process spoken language.

If someone does not understand what is happening, or feels they have no control over events, this can lead to episodes of challenging behaviour. Increasing their awareness of everyday activities, for example through a visual timetable, may help them feel more in control. Often if someone can see that they will get a drink after they have finished a task that will help them focus their attention.

We can advise on the most suitable format for a visual communication environment. Some people will only understand what objects or photos represent, whereas others will readily comprehend a range of abstract symbols.

Assessment will reveal which format will work best. We can help you choose the symbol system that is the most appropriate and/or advise on taking photos that are clear representations. We can train staff/carers on how to use visual communication aids effectively and how to develop their use to enable the users to achieve their full communicative potential.

If you’d like to discuss your client/setting with a member of our team in more detail then please do contact us by our client enquiry form.

Jane Gregory Specialist Speech & Language Therapist May 2007