Multi-sensory impaired children in hospital - Sense

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CommunicationAs no two deafblind childrenwill be the same, thecommunication section of theirpersonal passport will tell youlots about individual ways ofcommunicating.Here are some examples offormal and semi-formal waysthe child may use tocommunicate:Gestures – taken from actions duringan activity. For example using themotion of holding a cup to themouth to suggest a drink or movingutensils up to the mouth to suggesteating a mealSymbols, pictures and photosTactile symbolsSigns – usually from Makaton andBritish Sign Language (BSL)Fingerspelling – where each letterhas a shape on the handSpeechObject of Reference (OR) – Wherean object represents a familiaractivity or concept. For example: apiece of soap-scented towelling mayrepresent a bath, or a seat belt bucklemay refer to going out in a car or bus.Information comes through touch,smell and sometimes taste and thechild’s association of the object withthe activity or concept.Technical aid (speech to Braille) orcomputer tablet.Many children use a “totalcommunication” approach. Thismeans using a number of methodstogether. Communication will involveusing the voice in combination withgesture and preferred sign; this mightmean finger spelling, Makaton or BSL, ora symbol system using objects andpictures.Other children and young people will beproficient in sign language and use BSL.Like all languages, levels of fluency andspeed will vary and depend on the user.CommunicationresourcesOn the following pages you will find some resources to help youcommunicate: BSL signs, symbol cards and deafblind manual alphabet.These can be used with the child’s “Personal Passport”.1215 21
PlayThe play worker or therapist will be able to bring upsome toys that are suitable for a child with sensoryimpairment and the child’s favourite toys can bebrought from home, if ward protocol allows.If an ICU or another sterileenvironment is required...It may not be possible to bring a lot oftoys into the area but there are practicalnursing items that are already on theward that can be adapted to makeexcellent sterile play-things:Filling a rubber glove with sterilematerialGloves filled with water – frozen tomake a handA vomit bowl can be made intodrums and shakers or be used as thebasis of a mobile with other shinybright visually stimulating itemsattachedAn ICU blanket is shiny and funFoil sandwich platters can be madeinto a mobile...Torches can be used for lots of funthingsPlastic pill boxes make great shakersHaving “I’ve been GOOD!” stickerscan make you very popular.Other ‘toy tips’ for childrenwho are confined to bedVibrating snake and other toys thatare battery powered to move withouthelpSpace blanket and torchesBrain gym and action rhymesMosquito net or canopyA pop up tent – on the bedPersonal music player.If you are signing to a child it isessential that you position yourselfcarefully, to make sure you can be seenby the child. Some young people mayuse BSL adapted to the tactile mode.They are often facing up to the toughacceptance of their reducing vision.These young people will requireprofessional interpreters when medicalissues are discussed to ensure fullparticipation. While family members willalways facilitate communication it is notappropriate in formal situations.Familiar ways ofcommunicatingThe stress felt by the child will besignificantly reduced if thecommunication approach that the childis familiar with is adopted but there willbe a need for the addition of some newvocabulary using signs, pictures orsymbols for the hospital activities.To help you get a head start some health-related pictures andsimple signs are included later on in this booklet.2013
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Multi-sensory impaired children in hospital - Sense

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