Autism Resource Hub

Communication Access UK – Training and resources

Communication Access UK provides free training and practical resources to support inclusive communication for people with speech, language, and communication needs. This platform is ideal for individuals, teams, and organisations looking to improve accessibility and become Communication Accessible.

What’s available?

• real-life stories from people with communication difficulties
• downloadable handouts and posters (e.g. TALK prompts for face-to-face, phone, and remote communication)
• easy-read guides and symbol sets
• information on conditions that affect communication
• guidance on applying Communication Access standards
• free e-Learning training

To access the e-learning, you’ll need to create a free account via the main dashboard. The training is short, accessible, and designed to help you understand how to support people with communication needs in everyday interactions.

Create your free account and access free training from Communications Access UK

Explore the full range of resources from Communication Access UK

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UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF) guide: Producing Easy Read documents

This UK UKAAF guide is a practical and essential resource for anyone creating information for people with learning disabilities or those who find reading difficult.

Why read this guide?

It explains how to make written information more accessible using Easy Read - a format that combines simple language with clear images.

It helps you understand how to avoid jargon and complex words, and how to present information in a way that supports understanding and inclusion.

It outlines the legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Accessible Information Standard.

It includes practical tips on layout, choosing the right images, and involving people with learning disabilities in the process.

Who is it for?

Ideal for health and social care professionals, support workers, and anyone producing information for people with learning disabilities or communication needs.

View or download the guide to producing Easy Read documents

By following this guidance, you can help ensure that everyone has equal access to important information, supporting independence, dignity, and informed decision-making.

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'Easy on the i' image bank

The 'Easy on the i' image bank, developed by the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, offers a wide range of free, downloadable images designed to support the creation of accessible and easy-read information.

Why is this useful?

• the image bank is ideal for professionals working with people who have a learning disability, communication difficulty, or low literacy
• it helps make written information easier to understand by pairing clear visuals with simple language
• images are available in two formats: in the box (with a border) and outside the box (without a border), giving flexibility for different design needs

What can you use it for?

• creating easy-read leaflets, posters, and letters
• supporting communication in health and social care settings
• enhancing understanding of key messages and instructions

Access the 'Easy on the i' image bank

Using these images can help ensure that the information you provide is inclusive, accessible, and person-centred.

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Mental Health Act

 

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Talking Mats – A tool for better communication

Talking Mats is an award-winning, evidence-based communication tool developed by Speech and Language Therapists. It helps people with communication difficulties express their thoughts, feelings, and preferences more clearly and confidently.

Who can benefit?

• people with learning disabilities, autism, dementia, stroke, or mental health conditions
• children and adults who find it hard to express themselves verbally
• professionals in health, social care, education, and justice settings who want to support person-centred communication

How does it work?

Talking Mats uses a simple visual framework: a mat, symbol cards, and a scale (e.g. “like / unsure / don’t like”). The person places symbols on the mat to show how they feel about different topics, helping them organise their thoughts and communicate more effectively.

Why use it?

• encourages choice and control
• reduces anxiety and frustration
• supports shared decision-making
• helps uncover views that might otherwise go unspoken

How to access it

To use Talking Mats, you need to complete their Foundation Training, available:

• online or face-to-face
• with access to Digital Talking Mats, a web-based version of the tool
• additional resources and symbol sets are available for trained users

Visit the Talking Mats website to learn more or register for training

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Comic Strip Conversations – Supporting social understanding

The Comic Strip Conversations resource, developed by the Neurodevelopmental Team at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), provides a visual tool to help children and young people explore and understand social situations and emotions.

What is it?

Comic Strip Conversations are simple drawings that use stick figures, speech bubbles, and thought bubbles to break down social interactions. They help individuals reflect on what was said, what was thought, and how people felt during a situation.

Who can benefit?

• children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, or social communication difficulties
• parents, carers, educators, and professionals supporting individuals who may struggle to understand or express emotions and social cues

Why use it?

encourages emotional awareness and perspective-taking

helps clarify misunderstandings in a non-threatening way

supports problem-solving and learning from past experiences

provides a visual and structured way to talk about feelings

Important disclaimer

This tool should only be used if you feel competent and confident, and where necessary, under the supervision of a qualified professional such as a Speech and Language Therapist or Psychologist. It is not intended as a standalone intervention for complex emotional or behavioural needs.

View the Talking Strip Conversations resource and examples

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Autism and communication

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Social Stories – Helping people understand the world around them

 

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Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) intranet page – Staff access only

 

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Mencap "Signs and Symbols"

 

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Using accessibility easy to support people with learning disabilities: Guidance for staff and services

 

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Introduction to Signalong

 

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British Sign Language (BSL) SignBank

 

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Using communication passport templates: A guide for staff and carers

 

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How to use the autism communication tool

 

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How to use the communication passport tool for people with a learning disability

 

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My Health Passport

'My Health Passport' is a simple, editable document that helps you share important information about your needs, preferences, and communication style with healthcare professionals.

View or download the autism health passport from the National Autistic Society

How to use the health passport

Service users:

• fill in the passport before appointments or hospital visits
• share it with staff so they understand your needs quickly

Healthcare professionals:

• read the passport before providing care
• use it to guide reasonable adjustments and improve communication