Barrier-Free World
There are two different considerations for a person’s ability to communicate that will be
considered in this section. First they must be able to put thoughts together and present
them in a way that others can understand. Second, they need the mechanism to get the
message out. Therefore, a person who has a speech impairment is someone who
has difficulty using his or her body parts and muscles that make the motions or sounds
needed for speech. Whereas, a person with a language impairment is who has had
damage to the brain that makes it difficult or even impossible to use or understand
words.
There are a number of conditions that may affect a person's speech. For example, a
person with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulty being understood, but the degree to
which this occurs varies significantly from person to person. A person with advanced
Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, or Amiotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) will
experience inhibited speech due to muscle and strength reduction as their condition
advances.
Some conditions that affect speech are temporary and may be a sign that their body is
reacting to adverse conditions. For example, a person who is a diabetic and whose
insulin is not stable may speak with a slur: occasionally causing a misunderstanding
about the person's sobriety.
Please note that clarity of speech is not an indication of intellect!
If you have difficulty understanding a person, ask them to repeat what they have said.
This is better than losing an opportunity of hearing what they have to say. If you still
don't understand, then ask them to say it in a different way (using different words), or
switch formats (try writing or use a communication board - see below). Repeat back
what you have heard so that the person can verify that you have understood them.
If communication is very difficult it may be best to switch to asking questions that can be
responded to with a "yes" or "no" answer.
Some people that have difficulty being understood use a communication board (see
below). This is a simple tool that has the alphabet and a few key words listed on it, or it
may have a series of pictures on it. The person will point to the letters (or pictures) as
they spell the word. You should repeat the letters as they progress so that the person
who is speaking knows that you are following what they have to say.
considered in this section. First they must be able to put thoughts together and present
them in a way that others can understand. Second, they need the mechanism to get the
message out. Therefore, a person who has a speech impairment is someone who
has difficulty using his or her body parts and muscles that make the motions or sounds
needed for speech. Whereas, a person with a language impairment is who has had
damage to the brain that makes it difficult or even impossible to use or understand
words.
There are a number of conditions that may affect a person's speech. For example, a
person with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulty being understood, but the degree to
which this occurs varies significantly from person to person. A person with advanced
Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, or Amiotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) will
experience inhibited speech due to muscle and strength reduction as their condition
advances.
Some conditions that affect speech are temporary and may be a sign that their body is
reacting to adverse conditions. For example, a person who is a diabetic and whose
insulin is not stable may speak with a slur: occasionally causing a misunderstanding
about the person's sobriety.
Please note that clarity of speech is not an indication of intellect!
If you have difficulty understanding a person, ask them to repeat what they have said.
This is better than losing an opportunity of hearing what they have to say. If you still
don't understand, then ask them to say it in a different way (using different words), or
switch formats (try writing or use a communication board - see below). Repeat back
what you have heard so that the person can verify that you have understood them.
If communication is very difficult it may be best to switch to asking questions that can be
responded to with a "yes" or "no" answer.
Some people that have difficulty being understood use a communication board (see
below). This is a simple tool that has the alphabet and a few key words listed on it, or it
may have a series of pictures on it. The person will point to the letters (or pictures) as
they spell the word. You should repeat the letters as they progress so that the person
who is speaking knows that you are following what they have to say.
| Speech |
| We are continuously updating this site. If you have suggestions or questions please email us at info@sterlingfrazer.com |
More advanced technology is available that will allow a person to communicate using an
electronic device that speaks on their behalf. The user "keys" in the words using a
keyboard or a picture board and the device repeats what has been entered. The user
has the ability to make the device speak each letter, each word, or the entire thought.
This is one way they can control their input into the conversation -- by having the device
speak each letter or each word separately it helps ensure that others participating in the
conversation don't move on before the person has had a chance to have his/her
thoughts heard.
When communicating with a person who is using an electronic communication device
DO NOT read the screen over their shoulder. This is an invasion of their privacy as you
are reading their thoughts before they are ready to speak
.
Tips on improving communication:
electronic device that speaks on their behalf. The user "keys" in the words using a
keyboard or a picture board and the device repeats what has been entered. The user
has the ability to make the device speak each letter, each word, or the entire thought.
This is one way they can control their input into the conversation -- by having the device
speak each letter or each word separately it helps ensure that others participating in the
conversation don't move on before the person has had a chance to have his/her
thoughts heard.
When communicating with a person who is using an electronic communication device
DO NOT read the screen over their shoulder. This is an invasion of their privacy as you
are reading their thoughts before they are ready to speak
.
Tips on improving communication:
- Listen carefully – don’t panic
- Face the person and look at their face/expressions
- Eliminate external noises or distractions
- Admit when you don’t hear or understand
- Offer alternative communication methods
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