Useful Information

Communication with Patients who have Speech and Language Difficulties

Guidance for Medical and Nursing Staff

Image about Communication with Patients who have Speech and Language DifficultiesPamphlet on Patient-Provider Communication
May 20, 2009

This 5 page, downloadable leaflet, developed in the United Kingdom by Communication Matters and adapted for use in the U.S. by the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and the Central Coast Children's Foundation, Inc., addresses the needs of people who have speech, language or communication difficulties due to conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stoke, brain injury, progressive aphasia, cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental and acquired disabilities. Included are tips and guidelines to make communication easier - for patient and provider. 

While it does not contain specific guidelines for communicating with patients who have language translation issues or who are deaf, some of the general tips may also be useful for these patients. Contact your local interpreting services for specific guidance and help.

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