What is Inclusive Communication?

Inclusive Communication is an approach that seeks to 'create a supportive and effective communication environment, using every available means of communication to understand and be understood' (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, 2003)

It is about being aware and valuing all different ways a person may use to communicate to enable them to make and understand choices, express feelings and needs, and involve themselves in the world around them.

This approach supports the use of:

• Speech that is simple clear and at the right level for the person's understanding,
• Body Language that supports and matches the spoken word,
• Gestures that support and match the spoken word,
• Signing that is done at the same time as speaking and in the same word order,
• Pictures, photos, graphics and symbols that support both the spoken and written word,
• Objects that can be used to stand for people, locations or activities,
• Interactive approaches for those with profound learning disabilities and communication needs.

An environment that provides all these types of communication will help everyone to communicate better whatever their individual need.