Disability and communication

The right to communication is a major issue when it comes to respect and dignity for people with disabilities. Although it is a fundamental human right, it is often neglected. There are many reasons, and I am well aware of them: difficulties in implementing a communication tool, parental fatigue, lack of training, lack of time…

However, access to communication not only is a prerequisite for developing other skills or autonomy but also is essential for the well-being and mental health of the individual.

Personally, among all the battles I fight as the mother of a young person with disabilities, the one for access to satisfactory communication is especially dear to me because I can witness the wonderful progress of Pablo thanks to the Pictalk AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and the huge impact it has had on the whole family.

Many behavioral issues stem from a lack of communication. For this reason alone, it should be of interest from a purely egocentric and practical point of view as parents or professionals. Try to communicate a message without using spoken or written language. Not simple, is it? Try to imagine your week without an agenda or clock. It’s guaranteed to cause panic!

But don’t be mistaken, it’s not enough to find a good communication system for the child or young person to grasp and communicate it. Nothing is miraculous; it requires investment and time, especially at the start. You will need to model so your child understands how to do it and manages to grasp it. But it’s worth it!

We have been working with our son on Pictalk AAC for over 15 years. Our tools have evolved because Pablo has grown, along with his abilities and needs. Despite a very good understanding level, Pablo speaks very little, just a few monosyllables that only our close family understands. However, he communicates a lot!

Learning gestures and recognizing pictograms MAKATON was a long process and required the whole family’s investment to create a modeling environment. Pablo had a folder filled with pictograms for communication and a visual schedule (also with pictograms) to help him anticipate daily routines and reduce anxiety about the unknown. Then, we set up a weekly planner and finally a monthly calendar. It was a process that helped him keep track of time and better handle unexpected events.

You should not underestimate the extraordinary communication tool that is the activity book. Nothing is more motivating than