On this page:
Communication Support Pack
Communication support tools
Communication support tools - Welsh language
Communication card for stroke survivors
Getting online
Other useful communication aids and tools
Additional support
Communication Support Pack
Our Communication Support Pack is full of essential accessible information and communication tools to help support you with communication difficulties at home and in the community.
Order a free Communication Support Pack
You can also get a Communication Support Pack in the Welsh language.
The information in the pack can answer important questions you have about aphasia and other communication problems. There are practical tips, plus a communication card to show to others, to help them better understand what you are experiencing and how they can help.
You can use these tools with your family, friends, and health professionals to communicate well at home and in the community. Letting people know how you want them to communicate with you can help ease any anxiety and frustrations you may have and help you to feel more in control.
Communication tools can give you the understanding and confidence to have good conversations, learn new ways to connect and rebuild lives after a stroke.
Our communication tools have been created with people with aphasia and other communication difficulties, as well as healthcare professionals.
Communication support tools
Our free Communication Support Pack includes the support tools and information below, which is also available to download.
You can also view or download these tools in the Welsh language.
"Communication problems after a stroke" guide (PDF)
This guide is for people who know someone who has a communication difficulty, as a result of a stroke. It can help people gain new skills, improve communication, and have good conversations.
"Stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
This guide is for people with aphasia. It contains information which can help people to understand more about when you have a stroke and how to move forwards.
"Your communication after a stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
This guide is for people with aphasia. It explains what aphasia is and provides practical information and tips on how to communicate well.
Communication Picture Book – Community (PDF)
This is for those with moderate, to severe, communication difficulties. This book can help people with communication difficulties to communicate well at home and in the community. The pictures and icons cover a wide range of everyday topics. Allowing people to use pictures and icons to tell people about themselves, how they are feeling and to let others know what they want and need.
Click on 'Communication support tools - Welsh language' or the '+' sign to view and download communication support tools in the Welsh language.
"Stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
"Your communication after a stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
Communication Picture Book – Community (PDF)
Communication card for stroke survivors
Stroke survivors can use this free, wallet-sized card to inform people they have had a stroke and may need help to communicate.
You can get a free communication card when you order a free Communication Support Pack. You can also order a communication card from our shop.
Getting online
Going online can keep you informed. It can help you stay in touch and help you communicate. It can also help you gain independence and it can be fun. This guide to getting online has information to help you get online and use technology.
Find out more about improving your communication skills on My Stroke Guide. As well as free access to trusted information and support 24/7, My Stroke Guide connects you with others through our online community. Our friendly forums are a great place to share your stroke experience and find out how others manage their recovery.
Other useful communication aids and tools
In this section
Picture dictionaries
Smartphones and tablets as communication tools
Video calling
Picture dictionaries
Like our Communication Picture Book, a picture dictionary can be a valuable tool if you have communication problems.
The ICOON wordless picture dictionary was created as a communication aid for people travelling to countries where they're unable to speak the native language. It works well for people with aphasia, who often describe the condition as like being in a foreign country where they can't speak the language and where no one understands them.
You can download the ICOON wordless dictionary on the iTunes app store.
Other picture-based resources:
Smartphones and tablets as communication tools
Smartphones and tablets can be great communication tools for people with aphasia.
There are a number of apps – both free or paid – that could help you with communication.
In addition to apps, a lot of smartphones and tablets have built-in features that could be useful communication tools such as:
The camera, to record information visually.
Notes, to write down reminders.
Maps, to show people where you've been or to find your way somewhere.
The Aphasia Software Finder can help you find the right app for you. When considering software or Apps, the advice of a suitably experienced Speech and Language Therapist is recommended.
Video calling
You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone to make a video call. People with aphasia often find video calling better than a phone call.
These guides for people with aphasia will help you use Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp.
Additional support
Search to see if we run communication support services in your area.
If you are a healthcare professional, visit our professional pages.