Speech and Language Therapy: What are communication support needs?

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People have communication support needs if they need additional help with understanding, expressing themselves or interacting with others. Remember that it may not always be obvious that somebody has a communication support need so you may need to ask.

To meet their needs, you have to be flexible in how you communicate and the methods you use, for example by having information in simple written and audio form as well as speech. You will also need to support people to communicate in their preferred way, for example by using written words, pictures and symbols, signed language and technology.

Sharing information in a way that people can understand is called ‘inclusive communication’. This means making sure that people with communication needs can access the information they need, are understood and have the opportunity to express themselves differently.

Making communication inclusive and accessible enables everyone to live more independently and to participate fully in life.

You can read more about supporting people with communication needs and inclusive communication at: