Communicating with people who have a learning disability
Communication is all about giving, sending and sharing information, however it isn't just about talking - it's also about listening.
Making communication work
When you're communicating with someone with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. , think about your tone of voice and your body language, as well as the words you use.
How to be a good communicator
To communicate well with people with a learning disability you need to:
- use
accessible
Accessible means something is easy for people to use or join in with. For example: Accessible writing means the writing is easy to read and understand.
language - avoid jargon or long words that might be hard to understand.
- be prepared to use different communication tools
- follow the lead of the person you're communicating with
- go at the pace of the person you're communicating with, check you have understood and be creative.
Hear from Amy
Amy is a Digital Assistant at Mencap. In her blog she talks about how she likes people to communicate with her.
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a language programme that uses signs, symbols and speech; giving a person different options when communicating.
We've worked with The Makaton Charity on some useful information about Makaton and how it is used.
Sometimes I’ve got the words in my mind, and I’m trying to explain it in the best possible way, but it doesn’t always come out.
Remember everybody is unique
Take the time to ask the person you're communicating with what works best for them:
In person: Many people with a learning disability prefer face to face and one to one communication.
In writing: Use bigger text and bullet points, and to keep writing at a minimum. Too much colour can make reading harder for someone as well.
On the phone: Speak slowly and clearly, using easy to understand words.
Tips for good communication
- Find a good place to communicate in - somewhere without distraction. If you are talking to a large group be aware that some people may find this difficult.
- Ask open questions; questions that don't have a simple yes or no answer.
- Check with the person that you understand what they are saying e.g. "the TV isn't working? Is that right?"
- If the person wants to take you to show you something, go with them.
- Watch the person; they may tell you things by their body language and facial expressions.
- Learn from experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. - you will need to be more observant and don't feel awkward about asking parents or carers for their help.
- Try drawing - even if your drawing isn't great, it might still be helpful.
- Take you time, don't rush communication.
- Use gestures and facial expressions. If you're asking if someone is happy or unhappy, make your facial expression unhappy to reinforce what you're saying.
- Be aware that some people find it easier to use real objects to communicate, but photos and pictures can really help too.
Remember, all communication is meaningful, but you may need to work harder to understand.
Communication resources and help
Many people with a learning disability can use or recognise some signs. Signalong and Makaton are both Sign Supported English systems. They are based on British Sign Language (BSL), but are used to support the spoken word.
- Visit the Signalong website or the Makaton website to find out more.
- Visit the British Deaf Association website to find out more about BSL.
- Talking Mats are a communication system that uses symbols and other images.
- Widgit produce software symbols to help with communication and accessibility Accessibility is about making it easier for someone to join in, get, use or do something. .
Articles about Communication
Amy Clarke
Questions and answers about communicating with people with a learning disability
Makaton is a language programme that uses signs, symbols and speech; giving a person different options when communicating.
We've worked with The Makaton Charity on some useful information about Makaton and how it is used.
To communicate well with people with a learning disability you need to:
- use accessible language
- avoid jargon or long words that might be hard to understand.
- be prepared to use different communication tools
- follow the lead of the person you're communicating with
- go at the pace of the person you're communicating with, check you have understood and be creative.
Non-verbal communication is how people show what they want, feel or need, without speaking.
Some examples of non-verbal communication:
- Facial expressions and eye contact
Since the face has dozens of muscles, it is our most expressive tool. - Body language and posture
How you carry yourself tells a story about your confidence and openness. - Gestures and touch (Haptics)
Movement and physical contact are powerful, though highly dependent on the situation. - Sounds
Soft murmurs or loud screams express mood. - Proximity to others
The physical distance you maintain tells others about how you feel towards them. For example: being very close to someone can show there is a bond between you, but if closeness is coupled with aggressive behaviour it can also be intimidating. In contrast standing further apart indicates a more professional interaction or casual acquaintances.
No, Makaton is not the same a sign langauge.
While they both use hand gestures, they serve very different purposes.
Differences include:
- Makaton is a communication aid to support spoken language whereas sign language is a full, independent language for the Deaf community A community is the people and places in an area. .
- Makaton is used with speech (you sign and speak at the same time) but with sign language, it is used most commonly without speech and has its own grammar and syntax - the arrangement of words and phrases.
- Makaton follows the word order of spoken English whereas sign language has a unique structure.
- Makaton also uses signs, symbols and speech together but although sign language uses signs, facial expressions and body movement are also included.
The Learning Disability Helpline
Our free helpline service A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support. offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for their generous grant funding this work.