What is a Communication Passport
A communication passport is a way of supporting a vulnerable person with communication difficulties when they have to transition through different events, such as changing schools, or their first job. In Ryan’s case, we made a new specific communication passport for his medical file so that all the medical professionals could learn a little about Ryan before they met him and therefore be better prepared and able to interact with him.
A communication passport draws together complex information (including the person’s own views, as much as possible) and formalises the information into a clear, positive and accessible format.
Every passport is individual and every layout must be utilised for the specific person and audience for which it is intended.
When Ryan moved from Primary to secondary school, his primary school made a really detailed tri-fold, double sided leaflet. This was invaluable to all the teachers that would get to know Ryan in their various lessons. For the hospital, however, we felt a one-page profile on A4 in large print would serve the situation best. It was stuck into the front cover of his medical notes and was short, brief and bullet-pointed so that doctors and nurses could quickly grasp the information in their more busy setting.
Decide the layout, knowing the audience you want to reach and the information they need to know.