Knowing Ways to Communicate

Communication (in its many forms) is the most powerful way we have to share our feelings. When used well, it’s a great way to express thoughts, dreams, and goals. Communication can also be very frustrating. If someone doesn’t express what they really mean in a way that can be understood, well, it can be a disaster!

Communication happens in a lot of different ways. We don’t always communicate by talking. We communicate all the time through:

• Body language and movement (like the way we sit, walk, hold our heads, move our eyes, open or close our mouths, giving the thumbs up sign, etc.)
• Changing the expression on our faces
• Wearing certain kinds of clothes

People with disabilities can sometimes communicate in different ways too. This can make communication difficult at times, especially if the person they are communicating with doesn’t understand what they are doing or saying. People with disabilities also sometimes communicate in a different way by using assistive technology. This could include something called a Dynavox communication device that is programmed to say what they would like to say through a computer. Finally, some people use sign language and have a sign language interpreter to help others understand what they are saying.