Communication Notebook

Jan-Feb-March 2002

For older adults who have had strokes that affect speech, communicating can be terribly frustrating. This simple communication notebook comes from Sherry Edwards, Director of Information and Assistance at TechConnect. ( It's always a good idea to consult a speech pathologist for any communication disability.) It only takes a couple of hours to make, and the benefits can be huge.

Supplies and approximate cost:

If you have a computer and printer, all you need is a few sheets of paper and sheet protectors ($3.00). If you don't have a computer you can use a computer at your local library, or perhaps a neighbor. If all else fails, you can still make this communication board with the following: 

• 10 sheets paper, $3.00; 

• 10 sheet protectors, $3-6.00; 

• Pictures & Photos, no cost; 

• Stick on letters & numbers, 

• $3.00; Glue stick, $1.00; 

• Index labels, $2.00.

You can find most of these supplies at an office or discount store. If you tend to hold on to things, you probably already have them at home--somewhere.

Directions:

For the computer: 

1. On your computer word processing program, set up a document with ½ inch margins on all four sides. Set the orientation to landscape.

2. Create a table that is 10 cells wide and 10 high. Format cells to be about .7" tall so that all ten rows fit on one page. Adjust as necessary.

3. Using the template (or one of your own design), create an alphabet, commonly used words and/or pictures. Note that some of the pictures have words, others do not. Some people are better able to identify or communicate with just words, some with just pictures and some need both.  

4. Work with the person who will use the communication notebook and see which method is easiest for the user.

5. Create other sheets for restaurant, vacations, shopping, etc.

If you don't have a computer.

1. Using the template below (or one of your own design) Glue all the letters of the alphabet on one sheet of paper. Variation: Use a felt tip pen (Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Marker works well) to create big bold letters.

2. Put commonly used words around the alphabet. Again, as with the computer generated one, you can use just pictures, pictures and words, or just words.

3. Create other sheets for restaurant, vacations, shopping, etc.

4. On subsequent pages use photos of family, friends, neighbors or pets. Use pictures in magazines or take pictures of items around the users home that would stand for eat or drink, bathroom, bedroom, television, stereo, toys, books.

For instance, a picture of the users own refrigerator might represent something to eating. Decide what picture would be the easiest for the user to identify.

The pages can then be placed in plastic covers or laminated to make the pages easy to turn and last longer. Tape up the opening on each sheet protector. Mark each page with an index label, so the user can easily identify the page topic. Put in a small ring binder or just slip them onto an "O" key ring.

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Writing Board

March-April-May 2002

This nonskid writing board is so simple to make, and so helpful too. We just had to pass it along. Sherry Edwards, IATP's Director of Information & Assistance thought it up. She was responding to an information call and the idea just popped into her head. Here are the details.

Materials Needed

• 1 Piece of fiberboard, plastic, wood, plexiglass, or any non-bendable flat smooth surface, prices vary

• 1 - Sturdy bag clip used for chip bags, etc. at least 5 to 6" wide, about $1.00

• Rubberized shelf liner, or 4-6 Tiny rubber feet from the hardware store, about $1 to $5.

Directions

• Cut a 9" x 12" rectangle from the cardboard or other flat sturdy material.

• Glue the rubberized shelf paper or rubber feet to one side of board, creating a non slip surface for the underside of the board.

• Attach a sturdy bag clip by gluing to the top side of board as shown.

• Slide paper into clip and you are ready to write.

Variations

• Use a fiberboard clipboard already equipped with a top clip. All you need to do then, is add the nonslip fabric to the underside of the board.

• Attach a pencil or pen to the board with ribbon, cord or string. That way, if the user drops it, it doesn't get too far away and is easily retrieved.

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Transfer Web

Oct-Nov-Dec 2002

This ten dollar tech idea comes from a helpful web site: Assistive Tech Solutions, www.atsolutions.org. Be sure to check out their site.

This devices lets care givers lift someone who is sitting without putting stress on the person's arms and shoulders. Place the lift on the seat before he/she sits down. Look for cotton webbing at a fabric store. It can be washed if soiled.

Materials

• 4 yards of 7/8" cotton webbing

• Thread & needle or sewing machine

Directions

• Cut one 72" strip of webbing*

• Cut eight 8-9" strips*

• Sew webbing as shown

Assemble straps in a crosshatch pattern. Zig Zag stitch along end of all the straps to avoid fraying. Straight stitch all seams about ½" apart for reinforcement. Overlap 72" strap about 3" and sew together using a zigzag and straight stitches.

* For use with a larger person, lengthen the webbing.

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