An alphabet board is a low tech way of communicating. Even if you have a high tech  aid using an alphabet board to communicate can be a useful strategy if you are ever  without your communication aid. An alphabet board can be used in different ways. If the client is able they can spell  out their message. If they find pointing difficult they might need a smaller alphabet so that they can make smaller pointing movements or they could try a stylus or pen.

If the client is no longer able to point at all an alphabet chart can be used with partner assisted scanning. The partner will read down the rows asking “is the letter  you want on this row”. When the client indicated that their partner has reached the  right row the partner will then move along that row until the client indicates that they have reached the right letter. The partner can either read out the letter until the client indicates for move their finger along the letters.

Alphabet boards can be made up to meet the needs of the client. Quick messages  can also be added, especially if the client is still able to point to the letters  themselves.

Things to consider:

  • the communication partner might find it easier to write down the letters as the  client points to them/indicates them. If the message is long this can mean having  to remember lots of letters and it is easy to get the message wrong and become frustrated
  • the client needs to be aware of whether their communication partner has  understood them or not. One important strategy is for the client to indicate when  they have come to the end of the word. When pointing this can be done by  pointing off the chart or having an “end of word” square. It can be helpful for the partner to then say what they have recorded that word as so any miscommunications can be resolved

For clients with visual problems they might prefer a high contrast layout.

Numbers can also be added.