More than pictures : developing an accessible resource

Tizard Learning Disability Review,Volume 22, Issue 2, April 2017. Purpose This paper describes the process of developing an accessible communication resource which enables people with a learning disability to reflect on their lives and raise issues of concern. Design/methodology/approach The process of making the resource and the facets that contribute to making it accessible are explored, e.g. design specification, the relationship between pictures and meaning, the order in which concepts are presented. The paper goes on to describe how the resource is put into practice using the format of a 'Talking Mat'. Talking Mats is a communication framework which has a strong evidence base that shows it improves the quality and quantity of information a person with a learning disability gives in a conversation. It provides practitioners with a consistent framework to support implementation. The impact of using the resource is explored through feedback from practitioners trained to use it and the stories that resulted. Findings A well constructed resource can support people with learning disability to express their views on what matters to them at a specific time and raise concerns they may have. The individual views that have emerged from people are varied. This resource enabled them to be genuinely included in planning the steps required to bring about positive change in their lives. Originality/value There is much emphasis on the development of accessible resources in...
Source: Tizard Learning Disability Review - Category: Disability Source Type: research