FREE English Tools
Adult General Needs - 12 targets |
Selected pre-stored messages to support patients' expression of wants and needs. Available with text and photographs or text only on a 12 target display. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Adult General Needs - 24 targets |
Selected pre-stored messages to support patients' expression of wants and needs. Available with text and photographs or text only on a 24 target display. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Yes/No Communication Boards |
Support a patient's ability to respond to yes/no questions. Available in color or grayscale with 3-4 response options depending on patient needs. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Adult Pain Scale |
Numeric pain scale (0-10) with image for patient's to select pain site. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Bilingual Communication Boards |
Coming Soon...Bilingual Communication Boards and Instructions in Arabic, German, Hebrew, Italian, Mandarin, and Portuguese! |
Communication Tips and Tricks |
New at using communication tools in the hospital? Read through this compilation of tips and tricks to interact with a variety of patients who have difficulty communicating when in the hospital. Tips address issues such as: - How to use the FREE tools listed above - How to use other low-tech communication supports such as whiteboards, pen & paper, etc. - How to use "partner-assisted scanning" - How to support patients with limited English proficiency Download: |
Comprehension Supports for Patients |
These communication tools are intended for patients that are admitted to a hospital and require additional resources to access health care safely. Populations may include, but are not limited to, patients with: Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disabilities, Dementia, Aphasia, pediatric patients, or those with altered cognition. Supports are intended to be customizable. For example, you may consider asking family or caregivers to electronically provide pictures that can be inserted in the “I LIKE” page. |
Create your own communication board |
Blank communication boards that can be customized to display up to 12 or 24 unique messages. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Letter Boards |
Support the spelling of patient's messages using an alphabetical or QWERTY layout. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Medical Decision Making |
Common messages to support conversations related to medical decision-making and advanced directives. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Medical Decision Making for Patients with COVID-19 |
Interested in learning more about how to support patients with COVID-19 during the medical decision-making process? Check out this tutorial prepared by Richard Hurtig, PhD that explains communication challenges experienced by patients with COVID-19, techniques to establish competence for medical decision-making, and tips to help patients express their preferences about their care and end-of-life topics. Download: |
Pediatric General Needs-line drawings |
Simple picture-communication boards with spaced targets and line drawings, suitable for children and preliterate patients. Displays include 12 or 24 targets. Picture Communication Symbols used with permission by Tobii Dynavox. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Pediatric Pain Scale |
Simple 5-point faces pain scale with line drawings and color-coding. Ideas for communication partner use also included. |
Serious Illness Conversation Communication Boards |
Support patients to communicate their questions, needs, and preferences regarding serious illnesses. Topics addressed include: medical decision making (e.g., my decisions, breathing tubes & machines, CPR/Resuscitation, dialysis, feeding tubes), medical status questions, emotions, and religion/spirituality. Letter boards, pain scales, and other communication supports are also available. Download: |
Directing Support Personnel during COVID-19 |
These communication tools are intended for individuals who are not admitted to the hospital, but who still require support to communicate with caregivers. Populations may include but are not limited to individuals: with disabilities, who use communication systems at baseline, who are in rehab facilities, who live in group homes, or who live independently and have support personnel entering their home. Some individuals may already have a communication device. This vocabulary can be programmed directly into the communication system. These individuals may use a combination of both the boards and a device. Those without a communication device can use this packet of resources as printed communication boards. Download: |