COMMUNICATION PASSPORTS

What is a communication passport? Communication passports are usually small personalized books containing straightforward practical information about a person and their style of communication. The passport may help health and care workers to understand the needs of a person with communication difficulties. Communication passports often include photographs or drawings that may help care workers to gain a better understanding of the person who owns the passport. They put together by working with the person with communication difficulties and his or her carers; the person tells their own story of their likes, dislikes and communication style.

The POSITIVES OF A COMMUNICATION PASSPORT It allows the needs to be expressed in a way that reminds everyone they are dealing with a young adult who is trying to communicate with them in ways they might not have otherwise recognised. Others have a clearer understanding of the way they would like their life to be. The passport shows how to let Laura be the best and happiest person she can be. The size and physical nature of the booklet allows for the passport to travel everywhere with the individual: school/day centre/hospital/respite. Having a digital copy means that it can be easily updated. The passport has proven to be great tool in educating all those involved in her care. Especially for new staff or during transition. Crucially, having the passport increases the accountability of those caring for the individual: those who don’t implement what has been written must justify the actions that have been taken.”

THE NEGATIVES OF A COMMUNICATION PASSPORT You need different communication passports for different health sectors.