ACQ Vol 12 No 3 2010

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Accessible healthcare
148 ACQ Volume 12, Number 3 2010 ACQuiring knowledge in speech, language and hearing
The Communication Access Toolkit is a new resource
designed by Connect in the UK. We use the toolkit training,
including the Powerpoint presentations, videos and resource
material regularly when providing training and in-servicing to
colleagues and students. The resource is up to date and has
the potential to be used in health, community, and disability
settings. The toolkit is sold as part of a 2-day training course,
run by trainers at Connect, titled ‘Making Communication
Access a reality’.
3. Picture-based resources
The Boardmaker Australia Version 6 for Windows is
available from for $599,
including GST and postage.
Picture This is available from
for $132, including GST and postage.
The Aphasia Institute (2004), Pictographic Communication
Resources Binder is available from the Aphasia Institute for
US$295 (approx. A$330). For ordering details, see www.
or email .
Additionally, free images that can be downloaded and
used can be found at:
We use lots of different picture-based resources when
making communication aids and developing accessible
written information for our patients. We use programs such
as Boardmaker and Picture This, picture-based resources
from the Aphasia Institute and there are a few websites
where you can download and use pictures for free. We also
have a digital camera and a scanner which are used
regularly.
4. ICU Communicator
Available from Austin Health Speech Pathology
Department, phone: (03) 9496 5549, for $120.00 plus
postage.
The ICU Communicator is a double-sided perspex
communication board designed to meet the needs of most
ICU patients. It includes Board maker pictures for basic
needs/orientation, alphabet for pointing, blank space for
whiteboard writing, and a pain scale and body diagram. It is
durable, able to be cleaned to hospital standards and
self-explanatory.
1. Inpatient functional
communication interview
By O’Halloran, R., Worrall, L., Toffolo,
D., Code, C., & Hickson, L. (2004). IFCI:
Inpatient functional communication interview.
UK: Speechmark Publishing Ltd. Available
from for
$164.95.
The inpatient functional communication interview
assesses how a patient is coping with the
communication demands of being in hospital.
Particular strategies that facilitate communication
for a patient can be identified and passed on to
other staff members working with the patient. It is useful for
patients with and without specific communication
impairment.
2. The communication access toolkit
By Parr, S., Wimborne, N., Hewitt, A., & Pound, C.
(2008). The communication access toolkit . London:
Connect – the communication disability network.
Available from for £500 (approx.
A$900), includes toolkit and 2-day training course.
Our top 10 resources for creating
communicatively accessible
healthcare settings
Kathryn McKinley, Shauna Poole, and Melanie White
Speech Pathology Department, Austin Health
Austin Health is a large tertiary health network in Melbourne’s north-eastern region. There are three campuses – Austin
Hospital (acute), Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital (subacute), and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. There are two speech
pathology departments with 27 speech pathologists (full-time and part-time) and two allied health assistants. All three
clinicians have a keen interest in making the hospital environment communicatively accessible.